First Ever Christian Heritage Parade in Nassau County

Feature

By George Miller, 6-29-24

Some locals put together the first-ever “Christian Heritage Parade” in Nassau County, FL, to celebrate the huge influence of our Christian Heritage in the USA and mark Independence Day. They later added a festival to follow the event, with speeches, music, food trucks, cotton candy, popcorn, games and face painting for the kiddies- an impressive first effort. Along with the downtown/marina July 4th festivities, this helps to nicely round out Independence Day celebrations.

They got the Fernandina Beach Commission to issue a Proclamation for Christian Heritage Day for June 29,which was the parade date.

The event featured about 50 different organizations or individuals participating with hundreds of parade marchers or riders from religious, business and civic organizations. They marched through downtown, from Central Park to Ash Street, 2nd, up Centre Street back to Central Park, where the festival then commenced. Spectators lined the streets along the route and some came to the festival. The event was well-covered by police and rescue units, as well as safety volunteers along the route and park.

There was some opposition and discussion about the event. It was very well-received on the streets, except for two dissenting signs we spotted.

The Parade

When we got there at 9 am. most of the parade entries were already queued and crewed up, almost ready to go. Things were well-organized and the procession got underway right on time, proceeding at a moderate walking speed. We were in the parade in the Citizens Journalmobile and observed that things proceeded smoothly. It was an interesting array of floats, cars, trucks, motorcycles and Christian foot soldiers showing up and traveling the route. We’ll show you some here …..

The Festival

The First Annual Christian Heritage Festival was getting going about the time the parade marchers, floats, cars, motorcycles, golf carts, even Segues were returning to Central Park. It was added to the lineup later in the planning and not quite as ambitious as the parade itself. It included a band site, food trucks, goodies for the kiddies, some field games and a few displays. A couple of hundred people attended. I can vouch for the popcorn and barbequed brisket which were very good.

Judge John Meisburg (above) made an introductory speech- The Christian Heritage –in which he prayed, covered why they were here and also outlined the agenda/offerings. Also see his ARTICLE.

First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach Senior Pastor Zach Terry made what sounded like the keynote speech, delving into why this event, what is happening in the world today, threats to our society, attacks on Christianity and what you can do. Video may be on line soon- we’ll watch for it. (still looking)

Rainbow Debate:

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We’ll add to this article/pics later, but just wanted to get something out now.

George Miller is Publisher and Co-Founder of Citizens Journal Florida, based in Fernandina Beach. He is a “retired” operations management consultant, software and publishing executive (10 years) and manufacturing management professional.