Lakewood Ranch salutes veterans with annual parade

Sarasota 4-year-old Alona Hymel is in fashion, sporting the beads she collected at the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.

North Port 11-year-old Jovany Ramos gets an unexpected, but fun, visit from street performance artist Joe Abel.

Sahib Shrine's Frank Metheny leads his group's entry in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

World War II veteran John Skeen, 105, enjoys a front row seat during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Jim Klocke enjoys a special ride during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Some parade participants, such as Lakewood Ranch's Meredith Sweeney, were just clowning around.

For the first time, the parade used temporary fencing to separate the crowd from parade participants.

Ceremonial Master Mark Nelson waves to the crowd from the Sahib Shriners Oriental Band float.

Graham Ellis and Dave Daily of VFW Braden River Post 12055 enjoy those marching in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Ella Dean enjoys a petting zoo rabbit during the block party before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Miss Florida Ultimate Kaitlyn Graybeal, a Lakewood Ranch resident who attends Cardinal Mooney, shows off her wave as she rides in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Mission Barbecue brought its military truck to ride in the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.

Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee marches in the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Bob Sharak and Paul Roy of the Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Association of Veterans and Military Supporters enjoy the veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Jacob Cunningham, a tuba player for the Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs, gives it his all.

Singer Chantelle Campbell entertains the crowd before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Many in the thousands who attended the Tribute to Heroes parade brought American flags with them.

The Knights of Columbus make their way down Lakewood Main Street.

Robert Ricciardo of Crewe of De Soto said marching in the parade would be tough because it was so hot, but "it's what we do."

Lana and Alex Vovkulin who own the Foam Gator foam party business of Sarasota, enjoy the bubbles with their 4-year-old daughter Charlotte, before they get ready to participate in the parade.

William Jacques of the Knights of Columbus hands out goodies to the crowd during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Lauren Bradley and Zach Bradley, mounted officers for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, make their way down Lakewood Main Street during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Lakewood Ranch's Eric Laschke, a former New York City Police Department officer, was happy to see former NYC fireman Steve Lubrino selected as the parade grand marshal.

Lakewood Ranch 9-year-old Olivia Zeller enjoys the Tribute to Heroes Parade with Matelyn Favero (to her left), also a 9-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident.

The Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs once again were the featured entertainment during the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

World War II veteran John Skeen chats with the East County Observer's Lori Ruth during the veterans dinner at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall before the Tribute to Heroes Parade. Ruth always helps organize the dinner.

Members of the Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs practice before the Tribute to Heroes Parade.

The Santa Claus Drill Team once again was a hit at the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.

Beads were in the air at the Tribute to Heroes Parade and kids tried to collect as many as possible.