Fourth of July celebrations in the heart of the Florida Keys began at Marathon High School, shifted to Sombrero Beach and ended in the skies above nearshore waters for what many consider to be the best small-town fireworks display in the country. Presented by the Marathon Rotary Club, a procession of golf carts, emergency vehicles, vintage cars and even a decommissioned tank waved to patriotic fans along Sombrero Beach Road before kicking off a day of live music, food and relaxation at the beach. Happy Birthday America, indeed.
Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly.
From babies to young ones to seniors – and even a few four-legged companions – Marathon did it right to celebrate America’s birthday.The Keys’ only locally-owned news company brings up the rear with Patti Childress, left, Alex Rickert, 9-month-old Henry Demeo (in his first parade) and dad Jake Demeo.Liliana and Mark Senmartin drive her 1948 Chevrolet pickup truck with a custom mermaid paint job.Sam Williams drives a truckload of Marathon High School cheerleaders.From left, the Turtle Hospital’s Michelle Macoskey, Maddie Credi, Nate Hagerty and Taylor Marcialis saved several ‘Turtles in Trouble’ along the parade route.Native Taxi’s Roger George has something a little extra to throw to parade watchers.The Samess family is dressed and decorated for the occasionAquarium Encounters packs the truck bed to win the parade’s ‘Most Spirited’ award.Cub Scout Pack 901 earns the parade’s ‘Best Overall’ award.Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, left, brings the gang in the family golf cart.The Business and Professional Women of Marathon’s float was judged the parade’s ‘Most Patriotic.’Denise Pankow fully decks out her wheels to win the parade’s ‘Best Bike’ award.Rotarian and parade organizer Kelly Williams, left, staffs the Marathon Rotary Club’s cart with Tierce Scheel.‘Ya Gotta Love It’: Marathon Rotary President and parade marshal Mike Puto is chauffeured by Chris Pankow.The American Legion’s color guard and trumpeters led the procession.
From babies to young ones to seniors – and even a few four-legged companions – Marathon did it right to celebrate America’s birthday.
