*This story was changed to accurately depict the number of people who attended the parade.
VERO BEACH — Seemingly all of Indian River County turned out to join in on the fun during the Vero Beach Centennial Finale in historic downtown. And, while Mother Nature put a damper on outdoor activities later in the day, with the exception of a brief sun shower, she didn’t rain on either of the two extensive parades.
Festivities kicked off with the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department’s 61st annual Halloween Parade, with children and their families gathering at the Freshman Learning Center before making their way along 14th Avenue to the Community Center.
Hot on their heels was the Centennial Parade with groups representing law enforcement, nonprofits, civic groups, churches, businesses, schools and community members who wished to be a part of history.
“We have 105 different groups; it’s going to be a monster parade,” said Rob Slezak, Recreation director. He said there were upwards of 800 parents and children in the Halloween Parade alone. “We’re really happy and excited.”
Vero’s ‘First Lady’ Alma Lee Loy led the way as the Grand Marshall with her usual grace and panache; the Vero Beach High School Marching Band setting a musical tone. Loy broke off just before 21st Avenue, where she was comfortably seated under a tent to enjoy the rest of the procession.
“It is fabulocious,” quipped Loy. “It’s so exciting to have this many people be a part of this celebration honoring our forefathers. This really is exciting.”
The Centennial Parade ended at the Historic Old Vero Beach Railroad Station, where in the parking lot, an impressive assortment of antique and vintage cars and even a Wells Fargo stagecoach drew an appreciative crowd.
Inside, new exhibits offer two historic timelines. Circling the room are artifacts from the Ais Indians and Spanish Silver Fleet of 1715 to the early pineapple plantations, citrus groves and pioneer families to the WWII military presence and the Dodgers. In the center of the room a model train encircles storyboards with additional historical details.
Post-parade crowds also poured into the Heritage Center and Citrus Museum, where even more historical, informational and sponsor booths were set up.
Photos by Kaila Jones
