Historic city represented in Tuesday parade

Vanessa Ledford Baker reported to Historic City News from the Inaugural Gubernatorial Parade for Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday — where St. Augustine’s Royal Family and their entourage appeared together with other 16th Century re-enactors from the area; all dressed in period clothing.

Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Randy Brunson and heritage native Michelle Reyna of City Gate Productions, coordinated a delegation to travel to Tallahassee for the 2:00 p.m. parade that was held on January 4th.

In a carriage provided by Avalon Carriages, Murphy McDaniel served as driver for the royal trio which included 2010’s acting Princess Margarita Maria portrayed by Katie Raulerson. During Tuesday’s parade, Michelle Reyna portrayed Queen Marianna; standing in for Teresa Tezack, and, the boy King Carlos was portrayed by Timothy Colee; standing in for Matthew Wood.

With financial assistance and a banner provided by the Tourist Development Council, The Bartram Trails High School Marching Band led the delegation; followed by a black Spanish Galleon — decorated in traditional red and yellow colors and accompanied by members of the Men of Menendez.

Banner carriers were Taylor Laskoski, Julio Cruz and Jimmy Gullett.

Local members of the community including Sarah Raulerson, Lisa Colee, Catherine Baker, Ashley Baker, Timothy Colee, Suzanne Hazen, Michelle Reyna, Katie Raulerson, Scott Cushnie, Randy Brunson and Carol Brunson escorted the Galleon; driven by Cameron Fisher.

“All these folks volunteered their time to represent St. Augustine and St.Johns County with pride,” Baker told Historic City News. “All 63 Florida counties were invited, but not all attended. We did our best to represent ours.”

Baker reported that there were about 70 units in the parade.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photographs by Antoinette Baker