The streets of High Point, a 55+ Golf Community in Brooksville, saw much excitement on Sunday, July 4th, 2021 for their annual July 4th parade. It was a happy day to see patriotism and community spirit resume after last year’s parade had to be canceled for the pandemic. The weather fortunately cooperated and not one drop of rain came down during the parade, after a very soggy Saturday.
Parade participants included ornately decorated golf carts filled with families, as well the family pet, all dressed in red, white, and blue attire. The county fire department, Sheriff’s Office, political candidates, veterans groups, horseback riders, life-size posters of President Trump and Melania, the Ghostbusters, mermaids, antique cars, and even a Polaris slingshot also appeared in the parade this year.
Longtime High Point resident Joan Barker was the Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July Parade. She is a retired kindergarten teacher with a lifetime of community service, and at 94 years young, she is still serving. Barker has cooked and hosted a Holiday dinner for High Point residents for over — years. In 2020 when the community Thanksgiving dinner was canceled due to the pandemic, Joan cooked and delivered carry-out dinners to people who would otherwise not have a nice holiday meal. In 2021, in lieu of the Easter potluck that she had in her home for many years she provided, at her own expense, carry-out dinners for over 40 people. Joan also makes and delivers her homemade decorated sugar cookies for each holiday to a large group of friends and neighbors. She has been an active participant in many High Point groups, including the Quill Club, mobile patrol driver, first responder, High Point Volunteer Fire Department, Concordia Chorus, and the High Point Bible Club.
The community member who nominated her to be the Grand Marshal of the parade wrote, “I think she exemplifies the best spirit of our High Point community. She has kindness and consideration for other people, as well as faithfulness to her endeavors and committees. She is a wonderful lady. Still young at heart, with a great sense of humor, she has been an amazing friend to many people in the High Point community.”
Following the parade, a color guard ceremony took place at the High Point Veterans Memorial where each person saluted the flag or placed their right hand upon their heart as the National Anthem was played.
