A revival of celebration

The rain held off and a huge crowd filled up Apalachicola
Saturday evening, as the annual Independence Eve celebration got back on
track.

The parade from Lafayette Park, hosted by Franklin’s
Promise Coalition and the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast, was
back from 2019 in fine fashion, with lots of golf carts and cyclists, led
by Grand Marshall Anthony Taranto, a veteran of the city’s National Guard
unit who was humble when asked about the honor.

“I can’t help it,” he said. “They asked me to do it.”

Riverfront Park was filled by the time the parade
reached it, with the docks filled with tables for patrons. The entire event,
under the auspices of Apalachicola Main Street, was entirely paid for by private
donations.

“It was an outstanding turnout given the fact there was
rain in the forecast,” said Main Street Director Augusta West. “It was pretty
comparable to the previous year, in 2019.”

Following an opening prayer by Mayor Brenda Ash, the
crowd enjoyed the music all evening by the Apalachicola Blues Authority featuring
Bernard Simmons.

Two Florida State University students, Grace Lengacher
and Cameron Casey, also sang, together performing “American Honey” and then
her singing “America the Beautiful” and him singing “The Star Spangled
Banner.” Gordon Adkins sang “God Bless America.”

Retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Milliken, an Apalachicola
resident, introduced retired Rear Adm. Paul Sohl, who offered the veterans
tribute.

Ashley Pyrotechnics of Tallahassee provided an excellent
fireworks display, while Wayne Thomas handled the sound duties.