As of the April 16 planning meeting, the City of Crestview remains a central focus of the festivities as it prepares to host the county-wide parade and celebration on May 9.
The celebration is expected to feature multiple bands and musical acts across several stages and officials are currently discussing whether the celebration will be held before or after the parade.
As of April 16, approximately 120 individual participants including floats and organizations had already registered to participate in the Grand Parade. Okaloosa County Special Events Planner Melissa Carter noted that organizers are currently receiving between 10 and 20 new float registrations per day, raising the possibility that participation may need to be capped to maintain safety and organization.
The parade is expected to feature floats, marching bands, choirs, veteran tributes, community organizations, cultural groups, and special guest appearances. The accompanying Celebration will include multiple stages of live entertainment, dozens of food trucks, and a wide array of vendors offering patriotic-themed goods and experiences.
The parade and celebration is sponsored by America 250, the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the City of Crestview, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Okaloosa County League of Cities, and Destin–Fort Walton Beach.
Crestview native and Olympic bronze medalist Mia Manganello will serve as one of the Grand Parade’s Grand Marshals and will be honored at a private reception earlier in the day.
Organizers continue to seek volunteers for the event. Those interested in participating can sign up through the City of Crestview’s website at cityofcrestview.org.
