Patriotic pride filled the air as thousands of parade-goers, decked out in red, white and blue, lined the streets around Weston Town Center to watch the City of Weston’s 4th of July Hometown Parade. The Everyday Hero was this year’s theme.
Five special citizens were selected to serve as Grand Marshals, each representing The Everyday Hero with the time and energy they dedicate to helping the underserved, children or the community. The Grand Marshals were BSO Crime Prevention Deputy Kari Pallotto, Guardian at Litem volunteer Lourdes Johnson, Cleveland Clinic Florida volunteer Johanne Miller, Tequesta Trace Middle School ESOL teacher Judith Franco and Falcon Cove Middle School teacher Judith Malone.
Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer and City Commissioners Thomas Kallman, Margaret Brown, Byron Jaffe, and Mary Molina-Macfie all participated in the parade. BSO had a strong presence with Sheriff Gregory Tony waving to the crowd and its fleet of patrol and fire-rescue vehicles and helicopter flyover exciting kids of all ages.
Dozens of community organizations proudly displayed their patriotism. The parade featured members of the Rotary Club of Weston, Arts Council of Greater Weston, Weston Music Society, as well as local scout troops, sports teams, churches, area businesses, costumed characters, and much more.
The parade was preceded by the City of Weston 4th of July Hometown Celebration 5K Run/Walk presented in partnership with the YMCA. Nearly 1,000 participants enjoyed the run through Weston Regional Park. Leading off the race were the Power Buddies followed by Special Compass wheelchair participants. The first place finishers, Jonathan Werble and Joshua Estrada, tied with a time of 16:30.
