Lakewood Ranch honors local veterans during annual Memorial Day parade

Children and their families lined Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street late Sunday afternoon for the annual Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade.

Eleven-year-old Brady Ardis and his brother Ryan Ardis, 9, were jumping and smiling at they caught the candy, beads and goodies tossed during the parade.

“It’s pretty good,” Ryan said modestly.

His brother chimed in with more enthusiasm, “I think it’s awesome.”

The boys had never seen the parade before but their grandfather, John Lucido, who they are visiting, thought it important they watch.

“Memorial Day: It’s a reason,” Lucido said. “Their daddy spent 20 years in the Air Force, and he recently retired.”

Hundreds of people lined the streets before the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade got underway. About a dozen local veterans rode of the front of the parade, waving to children and families who cheered for them.

The Lakewood Ranch marching band also drew lots of cheering and applause.

Mimi Lerario moved to the area 10 years ago and had always wanted to come to the parade but never made it until Sunday.

“I’m psyched, this is my first time ... This is really cool,” Lerario said with a wide smile. “A lot of work went into this, you can tell, and the kids are really enjoying themselves. This is really nice.”

She stood near the intersection of Main Street and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at the start of the parade route, marveling at the parade.

“I’m really impressed,” Lerario added.

Eight-year-old Stacey Glynn was trying to keep up with her little brother, Jacob, as they jumped to catch beads.

“I got a lot of bracelets,” Jacob said as he smiled big with nearly a dozen beaded necklaces around his neck.

Stacey said she would have to try and beat him.

Her favorite part by far had been the marching band, she said, as she imitated the sounds of the drums.

“It’s really fun,” Stacey said.

This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 10:10 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch honors local veterans during annual Memorial Day parade."