De Soto Grand Parade: 87 Years of Tradition

0:00Bradenson's gearing up for its massive DeSoto Grand Parade this Saturday night, one of the oldest and biggest night parades in the southeast, marking 87 years of tradition. Expect over 100,000 visitors lining Manatee Avenue as conquistador crews roll out with six floats, including their star San Cristobal, tossing 3 million beads into the crowd. This all stems from Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto landing here nearly 500 years ago with his crew. The Hernando DeSoto Historical Society keeps that history popping with locals from their 125 members pulling it off even, bringing in folks from across the country and Bradenson sister city in Spain. Folks are hyped, chairs out early claiming spots, and it's not just fun. The society raises millions yearly for local charities and scholarships while pumping serious cash into Manatee County's economy through out-of-town visitors and year-round prep. From the logistics side, the DeSoto ball hits Friday night to crown a new queen and

1:01princess. Parade kicks off at 730 p.m. downtown, hitting down Manatee Avenue for 1.75 miles with that nine block stretch closing at. Noon and more roadblocks at 5 p.m., plus detours via 9th Avenue west to keep traffic moving. If you're nearby, catch the glowing floats at sunset, graphs and beads, and make memories. The whole scene lights up the city like nothing else. I'm Corey with The Story, that's your Tampa Bay News today update, AI powered and always on.