The Fourth of July parade went off with a bang on Anna Maria Island this morning, courtesy of the Privateers good ship, Skullywag.
In the true spirit of Independence Day, participants on the floats who were asked to limit their water guns to small-caliber weapons brought cannons instead, soaking spectators on the hot July day.
Gulf Drive and Marina Drive were lined with spectators applauding the participants, which included a large turnout by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers, law enforcement, firefighters and elected officials.
After the parade, some of the crowd drifted toward the beach to enjoy the rest of the holiday, while others drifted towards local establishments for refreshment.
- Kristin Swain | Sun
- Mike Field | Sun
Turtle Watch was out in force at the Fourth of July parade this morning. - Cindy Lane | Sun
The Hernando Desoto Crewe aboard the San Cristobal III - Cindy Lane | Sun
- Mike Field | Sun
- Mike Field | Sun
Courtney Wash and Creamery owner Dennis Miller enjoyed the parade. - Mike Field | Sun
- Mike Field | Sun
- Kristin Swain | Sun
Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring - Kristin Swain | Sun
- Kristin Swain | Sun
- Kristin Swain | Sun
Brenda Motes, of Jupiter, Fla. and Rachael Fowler, of Birmingham, Ala. - Mike Field | Sun
The Crewe at D Coy Ducks - Mike Field | Sun
- Kristin Swain | Sun
The ban on large weapons was largely ignored, in the true spirit of Independence Day. - Kristin Swain | Sun
- Kristin Swain | Sun
Members of the Holmes Beach Commission - Kristin Swain | Sun
Privateers on the Skullywag - Kristin Swain | Sun
