Parade Saturday Aims To Say Thanks To Veterans

A procession of thanks will roll through the city this Saturday.

The eighth annual Veterans Appreciation Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 20 N. Main St. and loop through downtown.

It won't be a lengthy affair. About two dozen entrants are expected to take part this year, said organizer Anna Liisa Covell.

But there will plenty of pomp, pressed uniforms and flashing lights. Entries this year include the JROTC units from Springstead, Central and Hernando high schools, the Hernando County Sheriff's Honor Guard, the Brooksville and Hernando County police fire rescue units and a smattering of elected officials.

The procession also will feature plenty of honorees of the day: local veterans.

It's the appreciative comments from the veterans and their families that motivate parade organizers to put on the event year after year even in the face of logistical challenges and tight economic times, Covell said.

"That makes it all worthwhile," she said.

One organization deserves special thanks, Covell said. The Hernando County Fine Arts is underwriting the liability insurance for the event. The insurance is required by the city of Brooksville, and the procession couldn't roll without it.

Parade organizers hoped to raise enough money to cover the cost of insurance, just as they did last year after bringing in donations totaling some $1,200 last year, Covell said.

This year, however, contributions didn't hit the $200 mark.

There is still time to enter the parade. Those interested can call Covell at 540-0680 or show up at City Hall between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

If you go

WHAT: Veterans Appreciation Parade.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

WHERE: Procession begins at City Hall, 201 N. Howell Ave., Brooksville. Parking is available on the nearby lot on Orange Avenue.

CONTACT: Anna Liisa Covell, 540-0680.

THE ROUTE: From City Hall, heads east on Fort Dade Avenue; south on Main Street; east on Liberty Street; north on Magnolia and west on Fort Dade, returning to City Hall.