One of the first events we attended after our arrival in Apalachicola in October 2022 was the annual seafood festival parade. I have always been a fan of parades, but folks in the Florida Panhandle really know how to parade. We sat in awe as the quiet, sleepy town came alive with floats, music, and so much candy. Naturally, to mark our 1-year anniversary since arriving in the area, we had to return for the 2023 parade.
Last year, we walked the 5 blocks from the Orman House to the parade route, but this year, we had to do complex math to take into account the start of the parade, the driving time, and the 1-hour time change from Central to Eastern time zone. It certainly does not feel like this calculation should require much thought, but even after dealing with the back and forth across the time zone line for the past year, I would rather be asked to do long division. No matter how many times I run through the times in my head, I always question whether we will arrive at the right time or whether we will be an hour later or early, depending on the direction of travel. So far, I have yet to miscalculate, but it always throws me for a loop.
On the morning of the parade, we packed up the truck and girls before 7 AM and hit the road. Daisy did not accompany us last year, but since this year was going to be a full-day affair, we did not want to leave her behind. Given we had never taken her to a parade, we were a little concerned about how it all would play out. We had contingencies and plans in place should the sirens and people prove to be too much for her, which we fortunately did not need to enact.
We pulled into town about half an hour before the parade was set to start and miraculously found a prime parking spot. With the girls loaded in our beach wagon, we found a comfy stretch of curb to set up our chairs and settle in.
The energy and vibe that come with parades in this area are unmatched, and I have always loved a parade. There is just something special that happens when the pounds of candy and Mardis Gras beads start flying. Maybe it is just seeing the pure joy on Bird’s face for the duration, but whatever it is, I will always put a parade on our calendar. This year’s Seafood Festival parade did not disappoint.
Last year, we did attend the actual festival and partake in some of the seafood fun. However, with Daisy in tow, we opted to pass on the festival and head to St. George Island and put our feet in the sand. The beaches in Panama City are gorgeous but less than dog-friendly, and frankly, Daisy has gotten a bit accustomed to getting her paws a little wet.
We try to go to the beach at least once a week, but it is usually for a sunset or a walk. We never have a “beach day,” so this trip to St. George was extra special. We set up the umbrella, got out the sand toys and fishing rod, and brought out all the snacks. Daisy and I relaxed in the shade of the umbrella while Will and Bird played in the sand and water. Somehow, several hours slipped by, and it was the most delightful afternoon.
Life in Panama City has a lot more hustle and bustle than we have grown accustomed to over the past 3 years, so it was a breath of fresh air to return to quiet Apalach and the even quieter St. George Island and really soak in the million reasons why we fell in love with this area. There is no better way we could have marked our 1-year Panhandle anniversary, and I will not be upset if this becomes an annual tradition.
2022
2023
Nurturing Adventure 