It's Back: The DeSoto Grand Parade IS Happening in Bradenton, on Saturday, April 24th, 2021. The Route Will Be The Same As Usual
Last year's parade was canceled. Yesterday (4/8/21), Bradenton city leaders approved the event to return on it's usual, last Saturday of April. It is now scheduled on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 with some new safeguards against COVID-19.
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, released the following statement… “I would like to welcome back the De Soto Grand Parade,” “We have all been looking forward to a family friendly, outside event and the Hernando De Soto organization is taking great measures to ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators.”
While not required, mask use will be encouraged where social distancing cannot be maintained along the parade route.
The DeSoto Parade is one of Florida’s largest parades, some say it's the 2nd largest in entrants and spectators (after the Gasparilla Parade in Tampa).The DeSoto Grande Parade typically has more than 150 entries. It also usually draws an estimated 100,000 spectators.
This year, the parade will honor healthcare workers that forged through the COVID-19 pandemic with a special theme: “A Salute to Our Healthcare Heroes.”
“The parade will also feature a large contingent of veterans from our nation’s military,”.
The De Soto Grand Parade will follow its usual route starting at Manatee High School and then traveling to Manatee Avenue, through downtown Bradenton and ending at Ninth Street West in downtown Bradenton.
The Bradenton City council approved a permit for the parade earlier this year. However, this final approval was dependent on how the pandemic was progressing. Bradenton City officials decided they were comfortable to proceed with the new safety measures.
DeSoto Grande Parade Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24th.
The Parade will follow it's usual route: Beginning at Manatee High School, then traveling west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Street West and then east on Manatee Avenue West, ending at Ninth Street West in downtown Bradenton. .
Get More information on the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society's Grand Parade Here: https://desotohq.com/parade
Hernando DeSoto Historical Society
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines
The Hernando De Soto Historical Society has implemented the following safety guidelines to attend any of the upcoming Hernando De Soto Historical Society Events:
- Masks are requested at all events of the Hernando De Soto Historical Society. Masks are not required outdoors where social distancing can be maintained. We strongly recommend all guests wear a facemask to attend, especially where social distancing is not possible.
- Be considerate of others around you and follow social distancing protocols.
- Adherence to the guidelines will assist in our efforts to present safe and successful events.
COVID-19 Exposure is an inherent risk in any public locations where people are present. Guests should only attend Hernando De Soto Historical Society events after evaluating their own health risks.
The Hernando De Soto Historical Society cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your attendance.
Purchase of a ticket, float registration, or event participation at a Hernando De Soto Historical Society event constitutes your understanding of these risks and your willingness to undertake the risk of exposure.
No refunds will be given following your entry to the events.