On Thursday, July 4th the High Point Community held its annual Fourth of July Parade. This has been a tradition with the Brooksville manufactured home community for more than twenty years.
For Toni McCabe, the parade chairperson, this was her first year heading up the event. She started organizing it in February. Nineteen volunteers assisted her.
“They were involved in getting donations, lining up the participants in the parade, registering the entries, getting judges and ones to tally the votes,” Toni stated.
The volunteers also made phone calls to get entries in the parade and sold raffle tickets to help offset the cost.
Gwen Roy, a High Point resident for nineteen years, was Grand Marshal. She had been chosen because of her active involvement in many community organizations over the years.
This was the first year that the Hernando High Point First Responders set up first aid stations in three areas. They were there in case of any minor injuries. Although the parade started at 9 a.m., the temperature was already in the 80’s. The first aid stations were equipped with bottled water to keep people hydrated.
Among the participants in the parade were the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, including the mounted patrol; businesses; churches; Civil Air Patrol; Young Marines; veteran’s organizations; the Nature Coast English Car Club; and political dignitaries. There was also a large cadre of golf carts patriotically decorated.
Despite the heat, an enthusiastic crowd turned out to watch the parade along the route from the High Point information booth at the entrance to the community center. Children grabbed for candy and beads thrown by the parade participants.
A panel of judges awarded the winners in several categories. The winners were:
Color Guard: Sheriff’s Office
Golf Cart Group: High Point Lions Club
Golf Cart Individual: Don Shaw
Truck/Vans: Culver’s of Brooksville
Float: Weeki Wachee Subvets
Antique Cars Group: Nature Coast English Car Club
Antique Car Individual: Veterans Heat Factory
Motorcycle Group: Sons of Abraham
Motorcycle Individual: Bud Conway
Horses: Croom Trail Riders
Bicycle: Kasey Lauber
Parade chairperson, Toni McCabe commented, “I am very thankful to all the men and women who donated their time to volunteer to help make this parade what it was. We want to honor and remember those who have served, are serving and will serve our country for our freedom and safety.”
Following the parade, refreshments were served in the community center.
