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.
Clever costumes ranged from ghosts and goblins to pirates and princesses, and branched out to superheroes and classic film characters in family-themed groups. Mary Poppins floated in with her umbrella and carpetbag, alongside Thor and his mighty hammer and Capt. Hook’s Jolly Roger. A sister of bees buzzed about, and another little one cooked up delicious delight as a giant meatball atop a mound of spaghetti.
“The spaghetti and meatball baby was the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen,” said Maria Sparsis.
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 Marshal 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.”
“It’s neat to see everybody come out for this. It just brings people together,” said Teala Krapfl. “We see all these businesses every day as we’re going about our lives and we’re all part of the community. It makes you feel part of a small town.”
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 Treasure 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.
“It’s kind of what it was like 35 years ago when they opened it,” said Carolyn Bayless.
“It’s great what they’ve done here. The only problem is, there are too many things I actually remember,” said Penny Odiorne with a laugh. “There’s a 1929 Model A Ford out there; that’s what I learned how to drive on.”
Post-parade crowds also poured into the Heritage Center and Citrus Museum, where even more historical, informational and sponsor booths were set up.
“This has been great family fun,” said Diana Stark. “I came to support all the rich history on display and wave at the wonderful people in the parade, making Vero Beach always number one in our hearts. My children grew up in this amazing town with countless treasured memories and more to come.”
Photos by: Denise Ritchie, Kaila Jones,
Mary Schenkel, and Stephanie LaBaff
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