Bradenton’s De Soto Grand Parade makes a comeback. Take a look at the floats and fun
By Ryan Ballogg and
Tiffany Tompkins
Bradenton
After a long wait, Bradenton’s De Soto Grand Parade finally made a comeback this weekend.
Billed as one of the oldest and largest parades in the Southeast, the community tradition was canceled in 2022 and 2023 due to thunderstorms. But with no rain in sight Saturday, the fun went on as planned.
Over 150 parade entrants — including illuminated floats, krewes, fire engines, local schools, businesses, organizations and elected officials — set off down Manatee Avenue to entertain crowds of all ages.
Local ABC7 weatherman Bob Harrigan served as the 2024 parade’s Grand Marshal.
Here are some scenes from the big night:
The Manatee County Fair Queens wave to the crowds during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Young children scream for beads during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The crowd screams for beads during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
It can be exhausting to wait for the start of the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
One of the military floats during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A child enjoys the shark ride at the block party before the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The Bradenton Police Dept. Color Guard marches during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Two boys enjoy a treat at the block party before the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The crowd enjoys the floats during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A boy on one of the military jeeps throws beads to the crowds during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The crowds enjoy the festivities during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A young girl watches the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Runners head West on Manatee Avenue during the DeSoto 5k before the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
This story was originally published April 27, 2024 at 9:55 PM.
Ryan Ballogg is a local news and environment reporter and features writer at the Bradenton Herald. His work has received awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and the Florida Press Club. Ryan is a Florida native and graduate of USF St. Petersburg.Support my work with a digital subscription
