By LOIS KINDLE
The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce has assumed the reins of planning and organizing the annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade.
“This cherished community event has been a staple of Ruskin’s rich history, and we are excited to continue this longstanding tradition of honoring our veterans,” said Melanie Davis, the chamber’s executive director. “We invite all local organizations, businesses and, especially, our veterans to participate this year.”
LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTO
Members of Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate will once again march alongside their float, handing out brightly colored beads to children watching the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade.
The parade will start at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5th Street Southeast and follow its familiar path northbound on U.S. 41.
There’s no fee to join this patriotic event, and there’s still time to do so. Just call the chamber at 813-645-1366 or email Davis at melanie@southshorechamberofcommerce.org/, and she’ll email you an application.
“This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a significant community event that pays tribute to those who have served our country,” she said. “We also look forward to seeing families, friends and residents lining the streets to enjoy the parade and honor our veterans. This parade is a deeply valued part of our community’s history, and we are honored to uphold its legacy.”
LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTO
Participants in the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade will include veterans and military organizations, pirate krewes, local businesses and nonprofit groups. Ruskin honorary mayor Amanda Marrero will join the procession, as well as Ruskin’s junior honorary mayor, 10-year-old Alyse Roberts.
COURTESY PHOTO
Ret. Marine Lance Cpl. John “J.T.” Doody, who was severely injured after being shot three times while serving on the front lines in Afghanistan in 2007 and went through a long and brutal road to recovery, is this year’s Ruskin Veterans Day Parade grand marshal.
As always, participants will include veterans and military organizations, pirate krewes, local businesses and nonprofit groups. Ruskin honorary mayor Amanda Marrero will join the procession, as well as Ruskin’s junior honorary mayor, 10-year-old Alyse Roberts.
Ret. Marine Lance Cpl. John “J.T.” Doody, who was severely injured after being shot three times while serving on the front lines in Afghanistan in 2007 and went through a long and brutal road to recovery, is the parade’s grand marshal.
Here’s a look at some of the others who’ve signed up so far:
Gateway Classic Cars;
GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club;
Girls of the World LLC;
Lennard High JROTC;
American Legion Post 389/Scouting America;
Ruskin VFW Memorial Post 6287 Color Guard;
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75;
LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTO
Members of Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate will once again march alongside their float, handing out brightly colored beads to children watching the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade.
Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate, Krewe of the Sea Save Yours, 1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary Regiment – Rough Riders, Inc.;
Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group;
Grease Monkey;
The GOAT Plumbing;
Mary & Martha House;
Chickasaw Community Bank;
Chefs for Seniors;
Caring Transitions of Sun City;
American Heritage Girls;
SAFE Families for Children;
Inspira Tampa Bay;
Roamin’ Oldies Car Club;
Kids R Kids;
Sweet Tea Tiki Bar;
Bikes for Christ; and
The Healthy Spot.
LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTO
Members of the Greater Ruskin Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for the upcoming Ruskin Veterans Day Parade Nov. 9. The chamber has assumed responsibility for planning and organizing the event, which was formerly handled by Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287.
Immediately following the parade, Ruskin VFW Post 6287 will host the awards presentations at 5120 U.S. 41 N, Apollo Beach. It’s also hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m., Oct. 14, to help defray the costs of the parade. The public is invited.
The cost for dinners is $10 for anyone age 5 and older and $5 for children under 5. For additional information, call 813-645-2935.
For more information, call the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce at 813-645-1366 or email melanie@southshorechamberofcommerce.org/.