Weekend parade and block party celebrates Cape Coral

by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/8/09

Near 20,000 people lined Southeast 47th Terrace Saturday night as a stream of parade floats passed through.

The event marks this year's TIB Bank Celebrate Cape Coral Block Party and Night Parade, which kicked off with a block party at 4 p.m., with the parade following at 6:30 and festivities well on into the evening.

A total of 58 floats from various Cape Coral organizations, businesses and schools beckoned the attention of parade-goers, and live music from country music artist Ken Randolph entertained the masses under the early-evening stars.

Jeff and Lori Hively came out for the first year with their 2-year-old grandson, Elijah Hively.

"We just heard there was a block party," Jeff Hively said. "It was very good. I was impressed."

The parade, notably the Cape Coral High School Marching Band, caught their attention, he said.

Elijah seemed to have enjoyed the parade as well, having danced along with the music of passing parade entrants.

"He loved it," Lori Hively said. "He got into it."

The Hivelys have attended Cape Coral events in the past, including the Red White and Boom 4th of July event and local Cinco de Mayo Celebrations.

They also appreciated the sentiment that the event was free.

"Free entertainment and a free night out," Lori Hively said.

Parade Chair Donna Meola had said the event was free to encourage Cape Coral to band together in tough times, and to support the struggles of local businesses.

The German American Social Club, American Red Cross, Araba Shriner's Hospital, Oasis Charter Elementary School, Cub and Boy scouts of America and Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, among others, participated in the parade.