Lakewood Ranch ends Tribute to Heroes Parade, plans veterans concert and luncheon

Lakewood Ranch's Tribute to Heroes Parade will not return, ending a community tradition that began in 2009. Organizers instead plan a free patriotic concert Nov. 6 and a veterans luncheon Nov. 7.

The change was reported by Jay Heater in an Oct. 15 Your Observer column.

Gene Sweeney and John Breiner launched the parade in 2009 to honor veterans and first responders over Memorial Day weekend. The event drew thousands of spectators to Lakewood Main Street during its early years.

Heater attributed the parade's decline to organizational challenges, disagreements over its timing and format, and disruptions caused by weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade moved to November in 2025.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch supported the event with funding and staff, while public safety agencies and local businesses also contributed.

Free concert to honor veterans Nov. 6

"Music on Main: A Tribute to Heroes Celebration" will take place Friday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Main St.

The free event will feature live music from Passerine, an acoustic folk and bluegrass band, along with a patriotic tribute recognizing veterans and community heroes.

According to the official Lakewood Ranch event listing, the evening will include food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, inflatables and children's activities.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sarasota Southside Rotary Club.

Heater reported that organizers also plan a color guard presentation, a community salute and tributes between musical performances.

Admission is free, and registration is not required.

Guests may bring chairs but are asked to leave coolers at home. Dogs are permitted on short leashes.

Under Main Street's Parent on Site Policy, visitors younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult after 6 p.m.

Veterans luncheon planned for Nov. 7

A separate veterans luncheon is planned for Saturday, Nov. 7, according to Heater's column, which cited an announcement from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

The luncheon will include a ceremony announcing donations to three veterans organizations: the Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Veterans and Military Supporters Group, VFW Braden River Post 12055 and the DD-214 Jeepers Veterans Assistance Group.

The announcement did not specify the luncheon's time, location or whether the event will be open to the public.

Residents seeking additional information can contact Lakewood Ranch Events at [email protected].

Parade tradition gives way to new celebrations

The Tribute to Heroes Parade was a longstanding community event recognizing military veterans, first responders and others who serve the public.

Although the parade will no longer take place, the November concert and luncheon are intended to continue that recognition through music, community participation and support for veterans organizations.

The Nov. 6 concert is part of Lakewood Ranch's monthly Music on Main series, which brings live entertainment and charitable fundraising to Main Street on the first Friday of each month.

The official Music on Main calendar confirms Passerine as November's featured performer and Sarasota Southside Rotary Club as the benefiting nonprofit.