Weekend Adventures: The Hernando De Soto Grand Parade

This year's Hernando: Curt Mahoney

BRADENTON -- It's the big weekend – Manatee County's oldest and most historic event, the Hernando De Soto Grand Parade rolls through Bradenton this Saturday night! Put on your tights and grab your cutlass. It's time for a special Conquistador Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

The parade starts around 6:30 p.m. and leaves from Manatee High School, going west on 9th Ave., and then north along 39th St. to Manatee Ave., before turning east toward downtown to 9th Street (click here for PDF of the full parade route). The event is one of the largest, most spectacular and oldest parades in the state of Florida and is the signature event of the local Hernando De Soto Historical Society. This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the historic parade.
 
This year’s event includes more than 150 entries and dozens of illuminated floats, marching bands from local schools, fire trucks and more. More than 20,000 people are expected to turn out to watch the parade.
 
Pedestrians will not be permitted to view the parade from the north side of Manatee Avenue West between 9th-15th streets west because of the state’s construction along Manatee Avenue. This six-block stretch, including the sidewalk, will be closed by police.
 
The Bradenton Public Works & Utilities Department, Keep Manatee Beautiful and Wildlife Rescue of Florida will continue their partnership this year to keep this a litter-free event by distributing litter bags prior to the parade for people to collect their trash. People can take the bags home for disposal or simply leave them curbside after the parade for collection by Public Works. Not only does this keep Bradenton clean, but also reduces wildlife rescues caused by litter blowing into the water where it can destroy wildlife.

The DeSoto 5K Run will precede the parade. There is still time to register for the race. For more information on the race visit www.bradentonrunnersclub.com. An after party at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd., features live music, food and an open bar. The post-parade party is for adults 21 or older. Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 in advance at the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, 910 3rd Ave. W., which is open from 9-5 p.m. on weekdays except for April 22 when it will be closed for the day.

Visit the DeSoto Society’s website at www.desotohq.com for more information.