The Brandon Fourth of July parade, a long-standing tradition, will take a new path this year due to pipeline construction in the area. The parade, which has been a staple in the community for nearly 70 years, will be held at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover instead of its usual route through Brandon streets.
Construction Forces Change in Venue
The South Hillsborough Pipeline project has caused severe lane closures, making it impossible for the parade to take place on its traditional route. The Greater Brandon Action Network, which organizes the event, decided to move the parade to the fairgrounds to ensure the celebration could continue.
The community celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with admission and parking free for all attendees. The new venue will feature fairground bleacher seating for spectators, and the post-parade entertainment options have been expanded to include live music, archery, robotics showcases, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
Attendees can also participate in competitive community events, such as a chili cook-off, cherry pie and watermelon eating contests. The festival will run until 6 p.m., allowing local families to travel to separate nighttime fireworks displays in the Tampa Bay area.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
