Tag: Playa Encantada

There is no better place for a family to enjoy spring break than on Anna Maria Island. Many vacation rental companies can accommodate groups of any size and of any ages. The activities offered by the island also accommodate people of all ages.

March 15 was a peak day for Spring Break, 2009, the dates of which vary a little from school to school, but usually they fall somewhere in the first two thirds of the month. The fact that Anna Maria Island is a perfect place for a family spring break was very obvious on the 15^th, when people of all ages gathered to watch a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Sponsored by the Beach Bistro, the parade started at the corner of Gulf and Marina Drives in central Holmes Beach. It proceeded up Marina Drive and Palm Drive to 81^st Street, where it ended. The streets were lined with people of all ages: tiny children, teenagers, young adults, “Boomers,” and the elderly.

Participants in the parade also were of all ages. The Grand Marshall was John Castelli, a World War II veteran who served with Patton in Europe. A contingent of gray-haired people on bicycles from the vacation rental and resort Playa Encantada rode in the parade. Also showing some gray hair were the Privateers on their pirate ship float. Two high school marching bands were very impressive, as was the Dunedin bagpipe band.