NAPLES, Florida—The prospect of rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of a crowd of over 1,500 people and uncounted dogs, who turned out for the annual 4th of July Parade in Naples, Florida, on Saturday, July 3. Many wore the nation’s colors of red, white and blue, while flags could be seen everywhere.
The parade, which managed to successfully dodge the rain, began downtown at 10 a.m. and concluded around noon. About 100 groups participated, including local civic, community and veterans groups, and local businesses. Included in the mix was the local fire department, youth groups, spiritual and religious groups, including Falun Gong, a traditional qi gong group; a martial arts group; a local newspaper and radio station, and banking and telecommunications companies. Various political awareness groups, including local supporters of the TEA Party and Right to Life groups; and candidates running for public office were also on board.
The picturesque city of Naples is a tourist destination, with scenic canals resembling its namesake in Italy. The city is in an area called Paradise Coast. Naples is in South Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. The BP oil spill has not reached the region. Other natural attractions near Naples include national parks and nature preserves, such as the Everglades wetlands. Naples is considered a golfer’s paradise, with many fine courses and PGA-hosted events.
The attendance at the parade today strikes a positive note for businesses in Naples, which are looking forward to brisk activity this weekend. Hotel and restaurant reservations are expected to surpass the holiday activity of recent years.
Photographs: Mark Zou, The Epoch Times [etssp 67]
The parade, which managed to successfully dodge the rain, began downtown at 10 a.m. and concluded around noon. About 100 groups participated, including local civic, community and veterans groups, and local businesses. Included in the mix was the local fire department, youth groups, spiritual and religious groups, including Falun Gong, a traditional qi gong group; a martial arts group; a local newspaper and radio station, and banking and telecommunications companies. Various political awareness groups, including local supporters of the TEA Party and Right to Life groups; and candidates running for public office were also on board.
The picturesque city of Naples is a tourist destination, with scenic canals resembling its namesake in Italy. The city is in an area called Paradise Coast. Naples is in South Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. The BP oil spill has not reached the region. Other natural attractions near Naples include national parks and nature preserves, such as the Everglades wetlands. Naples is considered a golfer’s paradise, with many fine courses and PGA-hosted events.
The attendance at the parade today strikes a positive note for businesses in Naples, which are looking forward to brisk activity this weekend. Hotel and restaurant reservations are expected to surpass the holiday activity of recent years.
Photographs: Mark Zou, The Epoch Times [etssp 67]
