Longboat to have an all-American celebration

It may be pegged the world’s shortest parade at a quarter-mile long, but what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in spirit.

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fourth of July Freedom Fest will take place on the morning of Independence Day, and volunteers are still needed.

“Preparations are going really well,” Chamber President Gail Loefgren said. “I got a jump on it, and we’re ahead of schedule. We have 10 volunteers now, and I would still like to have anywhere between another five and 10 more.”

Volunteers will help with kids’ games, pass out beverages, help with setting up before the event and take and sell tickets.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m., and those who want to walk in it are asked to line up at 8:30 a.m. In addition to the walkers, the parade will feature police cars, fire trucks and Mayor Jack Duncan and the town’s commissioners in convertibles. Loefgren is also hoping businesses will participate.

 “So far, we have zero businesses signed up for the parade, and we’d really like to change that,” Loefgren said. “If we get two or three this year, maybe next year we’ll get five or six. We hope to eventually really grow the business part of the parade. If businesses want to participate last minute, they’re more than welcome. It doesn’t matter whether we get 10 or two.”

Following the parade, there will be games for children, a butterfly release, a dog costume contest and a Belgian waffle breakfast from the Blue Dolphin Café.

Loefgren expects around 200 people at the Freedom Fest, with a combination of Longboat residents and visitors.

People and businesses can also sponsor a flag on the Avenue of the Flags, lining Bay Isles Road. For $50, your name or your company’s name will be on a sign next to the sponsored flag.

“Back in the day, we used to get quite a few residents who showed their pride by purchasing a flag,” Loefgren said. “I would encourage them to do that. All they have to do is come to the Chamber office.”

Although businesses and adult residents will participate, Freedom Fest centers around the children who attend.

“Parents come and grandparents come, but it’s really all about the kids and the dogs,” Loefgren said. “Kids say it’s the best day ever. It’s just great to watch their little faces light up. It’s heartwarming, and it makes it all worthwhile.

For more information and to volunteer, call 383-2466.