Who doesn't love a parade?

Amelia Island loves a parade. Throughout the year, parades dot the calendar. It seems either you are in the parade or watching it! The most recent was the annual Veterans Day parade hosted by American Legion Post 54 on Monday, Nov. 11. It was all about red, white and blue, and patriotism. Flags wave as veterans ride by in their service uniforms. It was a chance for the community to thank those who have protected us through the years. The finish of any official Amelia Island parade is the Pirates Club and its iconic pirate ship with cannons booming.

Next up is every child's favorite, the Dec. 7 Lighted Christmas Parade. Hosted by America's Youth, the parade starts at Central Park at 7 p.m. After the parade, there is more fun — vendors, music, and food in the park.

The annual Dickens on Centre kicks off with an Illuminated Procession walking parade on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Participants are encouraged to bring illuminated lanterns or something that shines, glows, or twinkles. Over the following days, costumed characters, themed entertainment, and lots of intriguing vendors selling seasonal wares spread along Centre Street in the Historic District.

The island's Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Parade is the granddaddy of all island parades. The annual festival celebrates shrimp and the island's heritage as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. When Fernandina has a festival, the island rocks; it is the island's Mardi Gras. What is a Mardi Gras without a parade and lots of beads? Throw in a boatload of pirates, Friday night fireworks, continuous music, 300 artists and craft folks, and you have one heck of a celebration for all ages.

I have participated in many parades, but one I remember best was as a driver. Two good friends and island artists wanted to promote the vital island arts community. So my little yellow VW bug became a miniature float (a floatette?). We draped the car with fishing nets and secured a large, stuffed pink shrimp to the back of the car. The two artists climbed aboard and painted a large canvas as we moved along Centre Street. What did they paint? A shrimp, of course. What fun we had on a perfect evening, with a lovely breeze cooling us along the way. As we drove along, we saw tiny babies, dogs, seniors, lots of bright-eyed children dressed in pirate garb, hoping for the beads or candy that were tossed to the crowds.

How refreshing to see grown-ups having so much fun — people dressed as tomatoes (The Farmers Market), the Red Hats came out in force, candidates for office, the Shriners, of course, in their crazy cars, and that year, even the Weinermobile. Our own island pirates roamed the streets, draping bright beads around the necks of parade viewers.

There is nothing like a good old-fashioned hometown parade, and Amelia Island never disappoints.