Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix set for last weekend of June
In his May 14 newsletter, Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody announced, “We’re looking forward to hosting July 4th holiday events, including a traditional parade, in conjunction with Suncoast Charities for Children, Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association as part of the Suncoast Summer Fest’s ‘Celebrate Sarasota.’”
The parade will start at 8 p.m. on the bayfront at the intersection of Mound Street and Orange Avenue, he noted. It will end at the intersection of Bayfront Drive and Main Street just prior to the Sarasota bayfront fireworks display, he added.
Coordinated by Dan Kennedy and the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, the parade “will be a special tribute” honoring frontline workers, medical professionals, first responders and veterans, Brody wrote. “It’s been a challenging year for the community and nation, and this is a great way to come together, celebrate our nation’s birth and launch a post-pandemic return to normalcy,” he added.
“Local American Idol sensation Alana Sherman will perform The Star Spangled Bannerat Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park after the parade ends, just before the launch of the fireworks display, Brody wrote.
Special events around the city leading up to the July Fourth holiday also are being planned, Brody continued, including activities in Southside Village and Newtown. “Details to come!” he noted.
Additionally, the traditional Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix races will be held off Lido Key Beach the weekend of June 26-27, Brody pointed out. It was cancelled last year, too, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.