Pioneer Days brings back original events

ENGLEWOOD — It’s that time of year again.

Community members met at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce on Monday to hammer out plans and ideas for this year’s Pioneer Days celebration, traditionally planned for Labor Day weekend in Englewood.

One prevalent theme that ran throughout the meeting was returning Pioneer Days to its former glory.

Many events were canceled over the last few years due to red tide, COVID-19 and West Dearborn Street road construction.

In 2023, many of traditional events weren’t planned, while a parade and festival were pulled together in a short amount of time.

“The chamber is here to make sure that Pioneer Days happens,” Englewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doug Izzo said. “We need your help.”

While the event may not be a whole-weekend bash, community members can expect some popular activities to return this year. The Labor Day parade, cardboard boat races, Mayor 4 a Day contest and a party at Pioneer Park are all in the planning stages.

The cardboard boat races are expected to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, and returning to Indian Mound Park.

“We have the Englewood Sailing Association and Abel Marine that has stepped up to help put that on,” Izzo said.

For the parade, it’s tentatively set for 9 a.m. on Labor Day, Aug. 2, on West Dearborn Street. There’s still some details being worked out as to where the parade will start and end.

Jeannie Joyce along with the Hesse family will have a booth setup for judges at the Hesse family lot on West Dearborn. There’s expected to be floats, the Lemon Bay High School Marching Manta Band, color guard and more.

Also a longstanding tradition is the Grand Marshal selection, as well as Mayor 4 a Day.

The Grand Marshal is historically someone in the community who has done a lot to help, while Mayor 4 a Day is an individual representing a nonprofit who campaigns and raises money for their chosen nonprofit.

Amy Gonzales is chairing the committee organizing Mayor 4 a Day. There’s still some time to get an application in and run.

Here’s a list of debates to attend:

5:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Rotonda VFW, 3725 Cape Haze Drive, Rotonda West5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Waverly Restaurant, 2095 N. Beach Road.5:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Englewood Elks Lodge 2378, 401 N. Indiana Ave.

Those interested in running for Mayor 4 a Day can email Gonzales at amy.gonzales@msn.com.

Activities in Pioneer Park after the parade are still being hammered out, but community members can expect a pie-eating contest, entertainment, Diaper Derby and lots of food.

One event from Pioneers Days past could help raise money for the community by having the business owners “locked up” by one of the sheriffs. Their “bail” would get them out of jail while also raising money for the community.

Returning to the original Pioneer Days is having a theme, and this year’s theme is “Happy Days Are Here Again: 1950s Revival.”

For those interested in volunteering, contact Izzo at doug.izzo@englewoodchamber.com.