Community Corner
Will It Rain For The Brandon Fourth Of July Parade, Fireworks?
Town lore has it that the rains, if they come, hold off until completion of the July 4th parade in Brandon. Will that hold true this year? And later as well, for the Brandon Blast fireworks at Westfield Brandon?
Who in recent memory can remember a rained-out Greater Brandon Fourth Of July Parade? Indeed, those with deeper memories won't be able to come up with a rained-out date, either.
Apparently, it never happened, although the town came close to a rain-out three years ago, when the parade for the first — and last — time was moved to an early evening start. Things got off okay, on a new route, taking place around the Brandon Parkway and Brandon Main Street area, but torrential downpours, thunder and lightning struck before the parade was over.
The parade is back to its traditional route and morning hours, as it has been since 2011.
Local lore has it that the daily rains the area is known for this time of the year hold off until the morning parade wraps up after noon (and as can be attested to by this town journalist, who has covered this event for years, that seems to be about right).
What will it be for this year's parade, more of the same?
Time will tell, with the parade kicking off at 10 a.m., at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue. It is expected to end around 12:30 to 1 p.m., according to parade organizers with the Community Roundtable.
- See Why Brandon Is A Great Place To Be The Fourth Of July for 2013 Greater Brandon Fourth Of July Parade Particulars, including time, route and highlights.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled and not rescheduled.
Will history repeat itself, allowing for the town to celebrate its grand event? Will the rains hold off for the Brandon Blast fireworks display later that night, at the Westfield Brandon shopping mall?
All we can do is report the forecast, and here it is, from The Weather Channel, for Brandon, Fla., ZIP Code 33511:
"A few thunderstorms possible. Highs in the upper 80's and lows in the mid-70's."
The day forecast is for:
- Scattered Thunderstorms
- Chance of rain — 60 percent
- Wind — Southeast at 12 miles per hour
- Humidity — 74 percent
- UV Index — 8 (very high)
The night forecast is for:
- Early thunderstorms
- Chance of rain — 40 percent
- Wind — East, southeast, at 7 miles per hour
- Humidity — 84 percent
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.