Thousands throng to DeSoto Heritage Grand Parade in Bradenton
BRADENTON -- Each year, Bradenton celebrates with its popular DeSoto Heritage Grand Parade, but only one man can have the honor of playing Hernando DeSoto himself.
Zeke Eckerson, 57, was up to the challenge Saturday afternoon.
"It's quite the honor," Eckerson said. "I love the parade, so I'm just trying to do everything I can to represent, keeping my DeSoto members, family and traditions strong."
Eckerson was still excited after being chosen Friday night to play DeSoto.
"I have a great crewe that I've picked," Eckerson said. "It's home."
This year was the biggest DeSoto Heritage Grand Parade ever, with 157 entries. The previous record was set in 2014 with 153 units.
Hundreds of crewe members gathered at Manatee High with the sun shining Saturday afternoon as they prepared to partake in the annual DeSoto Heritage Parade and greet the thousands who lined the parade route.
Children and adults alike were all
smiles while jumping for beads and candy tossed from the much-anticipated parade of floats while it made its way down Ninth Avenue West, 39th Street West and along Manatee Avenue.
Law enforcement lined every block of the parade route where metal barricades had been in place for hours beforehand.
"Everything pre-parade has been perfect," Bradenton Fire Marshall Kenneth Langston said.
Bradenton Police Lt. Brian Thiers, who brought up the tail end of the parade, did not report any major parade incidents.
An old fire truck operated by USA Fence did break down at the intersection of 34th Street West and Manatee Avenue West. A wrecker was called to tow it away as other floats detoured around it, but finally it moved off under its own power.
This year's Miss Manatee Teen, Amelia Joy, 16, of St. Petersburg, had never ever seen the parade but was looking forward to it this year.
"I'm very excited just seeing all the people in the county that I represent," Amelia said.
DeSoto crewe member Bill Campbell was riding in the parade for the 18th time in the 20 years he has been a member, he said.
"I love just being part of an amazing organization," Campbell said. "That's why we do this stuff. It's all about the community. A lot of people don't realize this, that we make the money from the community and give it to the community."
Sherri Buette, a 1991 DeSoto queen, said the parade was so overwhelming with excitement it was difficult for her to put into words.
"Every time a float turns a corner, it's another crowd," Buette said.
She and other past queens were participating for the sixth year in a row now on their own float.
"I'm excited to see the pictures of our float, she said.
The former queens also enjoy passing out crowns to little girls along the way.
"We sort of see our paths, where we've been, along the way," Buette added. "As a group, we've donated more than 1,100 service hours to the community. That's what's important to us."
Cindy Meek, vice president of the Anna Maria Privateers, was in full costume as she tried to cool off before the parade started.
"It's warm, but we're having a great time," Meek said.
This would be her fourth time riding in the parade, said Meek, also known as Lady Sinthia.
She most looks forward to all the people, she said.
"All the looks on the children's faces, that's the best part," Meek said. "It's all worth it once the kids start smiling. That's what we do it for."
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.
This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Thousands throng to DeSoto Heritage Grand Parade in Bradenton ."