WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Once upon a time, families in Palmetto watched as 10th Street transformed into the pages of their favorite stories. Presented by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC), the 77th DeSoto Children’s Parade continued its annual tradition with this year’s theme, “Once Upon a Parade: A Storybook Collection.” Along with performers and the usual conquistadors, story-worthy floats inspired by favorite children’s books reflected the creativity of local schools, child care centers, and community organizations.
Excited kids proudly waved from their floats as judges evaluated the displays and, in some cases, accompanying performances. The judges certainly had difficult choices to make! Congratulations to the following winners:
- Best Use of Theme (sponsored by Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant): Woodland Wildcats Middle School
- Most Imaginative: Wee World Child Development Center
- Most Colorful: ¡Hola! Elementary School
- Most Crowd Pleasing: Gorgeous Girls with Goals
Other participants in the parade include Scouting America, Jesse P. Miller Elementary School, Brave Enough Books, Star Academy of Dance and Aerial Arts, Tru Athletics, Educational Harbor Christian School, Kingdom Arts, Fierce Dolls Dance Team, Oneco Cheer Academy, and University of Tennessee’s feature twirler, Ally Carpenter.
As the parade wound its way to Sutton Park, the next chapter began: the Party in the Park! Kids explored the ELC Book Buses and chose a free book to take home. They also enjoyed crafts, games, and face-painting while parents connected with local agencies offering free resources. The ELC had hands-on activities for kids to enjoy, where they could make their own tennis rackets and roll dice, which encouraged movement, creativity, and fine motor skills.
Many other community organizations provided activities and giveaways, including Centerstone, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Manatee Children’s Services, Fun 4 Kids Sarasota, CrimeStoppers of Manatee County, and more. Plus, Kona Ice kept the festivities sweet and cool! They generously gave proceeds of nearly $700 to the ELC.
No doubt about it: the 77th DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park proved to be one for the books. This event is a cherished part of our community’s story—and we can’t wait to turn the page next year.
