“We even have a cement truck entered,” Estevez said. “You believe that?”<\/p>\n
Years before there was a spectacular fireworks show off the shores of Key Biscayne, Michele Estevez was part of the committee organizing the Village’s Fourth of July Parade.<\/p>\n
This year, a record 75+ entries (at least) will make the patriotic trek from Fernwood (where they line up) to Harbor and down Crandon Boulevard after things get started at 11 a.m., on Saturday, with a customary flyover by two Mako jets stationed at Homestead Air Reserve Base.<\/p>\n
“I always get emotional on the flyover \u2026 always,” said Estevez, who arrived in South Florida in 1979 from her native Chile. “I think, especially, it’s the satisfaction. … I’m proud to be there, to be part of the committee, to deliver a parade like this. I’m a very proud American.<\/p>\n
“Proud to be an American” is the underlying theme of the day’s festivities, which include family games at Village Green South before the parade, a delicious barbecue lunch by the Rotary Club of Key Biscayne afterward, and an amazing fireworks show in the evening.<\/p>\n
It all coincides with America’s 250th birthday celebration.<\/p>\n
“I am truly excited,\u201d Village Manager Steve Williamson said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a special festive day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Estevez agreed.<\/p>\n
“The 250, in general, is very meaningful,” she said, “Our parade committee (about 20 members) puts in the same effort for every parade year after year. Yes, this one will be longer, so it’s more special in a sense that we are also commemorating the 250th.”<\/p>\n
Key Biscayne’s Fourth of July Parade, now in its 67th year, is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Southeast.<\/p>\n
Long renowned as “The Best Lil’ Hometown Parade in South Florida,” the event (formed in 1959) has attracted numerous dignitaries over the years, including President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, when they lived part-time on the island.<\/p>\n
This year, ahead of the elections, at least a dozen candidates (political and judicial) will be waving to an estimated crowd of 10,000 in hopes of collecting a few more votes.<\/p>\n
There also will be a new addition.<\/p>\n
“This year, the Village Council will be riding a commemorative float, adding a special element to what continues to be one of the most anticipated and cherished traditions in our community,” Williamson said. “Thanks to our staff for putting it all together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Four bands are entered, including the traditional high-energy Epic Attraction Marching Unit from Baltimore along with high school marching bands from North Miami, Miami Northwestern and Hallandale.<\/p>\n
There will also be rescue horses, kazoo pipers<\/a>, stilt walkers, police and fire vehicles, and the always enjoyable Junkanoos, who close the show in entertaining Bahamian style with colorful costumes and spirited dancing.<\/p>\n “We even have a cement truck entered,” Estevez said. “You believe that?”<\/p>\n