Residents of the Nocatee community celebrated Independence Day at Nocatee Station Field with its annual golf cart parade and contest.
Over 350 golf carts participated in the second annual event that took place in the newly opened field, according to Nocatee community Events Manager, Hannah Davis.
“It was a really good turnout,” Davis said. “We had about 80 more carts than last year, which was our first time doing this event.”
The parade also happened to have some friendly competition, featuring a contest for the most patriotic cart and the most creative cart.
Competing drivers and their decorated mobiles made their way down the cart path, around Splash Water Park, the Town Center communities,Willow Cove and eventually back to Nocatee Station Field, where they were welcomed back with patriotic celebration.
Live music, food trucks and balloon artists entertained the crowd while the Nocatee community staff deliberated on the golf cart winners, who were awarded with a certificate, gift bag and a bottle of wine.
This year, the Carrero family won most patriotic golf cart, with each family member dressed head to toe in iconic American costumes, such as the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam and Abraham Lincoln.
The award for most creative golf cart went to the Cashion family, who installed a mobile canoe, elaborately decorated in red, white and blue, to the back of their cart. The letters, USA, hung in the back, with a giant, inflatable bald eagle and a small Cashion family member soaking up the sun and enjoying the view.
Looking back on the parades these past two years, Davis thinks the community has really enjoyed them and are looking forward to the next one, which takes place during the holidays in December.
“I think these events build community spirit,” she said.”Great camaraderie among the community and a sense of pride in the community.”
