Traffic plan for Easter Parade this Sunday

In 1957, local St. Augustine news reporters covered the first “Parade of Horses and Carriages” as part of a citywide Easter festival — a major event then, as it is now, for Historic City News readers.

Cathy DuPont, City of St. Augustine Public Information Coordinator, announced the following traffic detours and parking restrictions for this year’s Easter Parade; scheduled for Sunday, April 4th.

Time: The parade begins at 3:00 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. Traffic in the downtown area and along Ponce de Leon Blvd. will be congested just before and following the parade. Those not attending the event may wish to avoid the area during these times.

Route: The parade assembles along San Marco Ave. and Williams St. and proceeds: South on San Marco Ave.; South on S. Castillo Dr.; South on Avenida Menendez; West on Cathedral Place; North on Cordova St. and then disburses in the vicinity of the Visitor Information Center and Parking Facility.

Parking: All public parking is free on Sundays, including lots located to the south of City Hall along Granada St. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility will be accessible until approximately 2:00 p.m. and will not reopen until after the parade. Parking is prohibited all day on San Marco Ave., Avenida Menendez north of the Bridge of Lions, and King St. Parking will be allowed on Cathedral Pl. until noon.

Detours starting @ 2:00 p.m. until the end of the parade:
May St. (southbound) will use San Carlos Ave. to U. S. 1 South.
King St. eastbound will use one lane only from Cordova St. to the Bridge of Lions and may not turn north on Avenida Menendez.
Bridge of Lions westbound will be routed into one lane westbound on King St. to Cordova St. and then into normal traffic flow.
W. Castillo Dr. & Orange St. will be closed.
St. George St. between King St. & Cathedral Pl. will be closed to traffic all day.

Viewing Areas:
The parade may be viewed all along the route. The official reviewing stand will be at the corner of Cathedral Pl. and St. George St.

For more information on the parade, visit www.staugeasterfestival.com.

1959 photograph of Mrs. Charles Young from the Department of Commerce collection of the State Library and Archives of Florida