by James Coulter
What’s more fun than a parade? How about an un-parade? What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s like a regular parade, but more fun and chaotic.
Downtown Bartow kicked off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Un-Parade during Friday Fest last Friday.
Nearly 100 units including floats, decorations, and attendees participated in this year’s parade, which started at Nye Jordan and made its way through Downtown Bartow.
Spath Jewelers served as the sponsoring unit and was accompanied by several dozen decorated vehicles and 18 golf carts. Most everyone wore green, and even a few belly dancers appeared and performed in the parade.
“Everyone loves the Un-Parade because of it just being wild and wacky and completely unscripted,” explained Linda Holcomb, Executive Director of Main Street Bartow, which hosted and organized the event.
Following the event, attendees could continue enjoying the festivities during Friday Fest, with several dozen vendors, food trucks, and other activities.
“I felt like we were a little bit down this year with it being spring break but everyone who attended or watched enjoyed it,” Holcomb said. “What I like most about this is that the kids get into it just as much as the adults and everyone has a great time.”
Main Street Bartow’s next major event will be the Spring Fling & BBQ, which will be hosted on Sat. Apr. 6 from 10 AM – 3 PM. The event will feature more than 80 crafters and vendors, and include barbecue served by local eateries including the Cultivated Pig, Bad Dog BBQ, Legacy Craft BBQ, Coach Eddie Backyard BBQ, and Uncle Bucky’s. All five will be competing for the honorable title of Best Ribs.
For more information about other upcoming events in Downtown Bartow, visit: https://lakelandmom.com/event/spring-fling-downtown-bartow/
