Floats brought beloved children’s books to life during the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park.
Smiling children marched along the route down 10th Avenue West toward Sutton Park and Lamb Park in Palmetto Friday morning. “Once upon a parade” was the theme of this year’s parade.
Batons, bands and fire trucks delighted crowds of all ages as gleeful kidsshouted for beads.
CubScout Pack 111 paraded with a float full of greenery and waved flags followed by dancers, cheerleaders, Manatee County Fair princesses and more.
The floats and participants all finished marching at the Sutton and Lamb Park where there were games, food and fun.
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County was a presenter, along with Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Riverhouse Restaurant and Publix Supermarkets.
The parade, one of many events hosted by the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, will be followed by the black-tie DeSoto Ball on Friday, April 25, and the Grand Parade on Saturday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m., starting in downtown Bradenton.
The Onceo Cheer Academy marches in the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Beads are flung from a pirate ship the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Dancers perform for the crowd at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A little girl enjoys the fun from a comfy seat at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A scout from Pack 111 marches in the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Families wave from a Dr. Seuss float at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Families enjoy the fun at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The parade begins with the JROTC flag bearers at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Marchers smile and wave in the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Cub Scout Pack 111 march in the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Lollipops and beads were favorites for the kids at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A young dancer with a foot injury still manages to perform with a fan at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM.
Tiffany Tompkins is the Bradenton Herald’s Visual Lead; shooting, editing and producing photographs and videos for the newspaper and online since 1999. Tiffany is a graduate of State College of Florida.
