NAPLES
A long tradition in a city in southwest Florida saw hundreds of people flock to the area. The Swamp Buggy Parade is one of the most popular traditions in Naples.
The four-wheel truck that carries a two-wheel artificial machine is a swamp buggy. This is a 73 year old tradition in Naples.
Teresa Heitman is the Mayor of Naples. “The longest tradition we have in Naples,” said Heitman.
Mayor Heitman says the tradition began in the 1940s when then-Mayor Roy Smith realized what the swamp buggy could bring to his town. That gift was tourism.
“Today this action-packed mud experience, the sporting event, draws spectators from all corners of the world,” said Heitman.
“Barefoot” Bobby Williams is a swamp buggy racer. “This is a community event that is very family oriented. However, there are a lot of tourists, ”said Williams.
Willaims boasted his buggy in today’s parade. More than 50 other motorists attended the celebrations on Saturday along with hundreds of spectators.
“We started right here at the mall and headed south to 41 to 5th Avenue, South. It’s probably 2-3 miles anyway, ”Williams said. This is the only time of the year the city of Naples blocks US-41 from Golden Gate Parkway to Third Avenue South.
Willaims says his family has been in the parade for years. “We have been doing this for 13 to 14 years. Barefoot Florida Living is the name of our buggy. My grandfather, Barefoot Williams Pioneer from Naples, ”he said.
“Our hometown is currently approaching two major milestones. Naples is about to celebrate its centenary while the swamp buggy races are still going strong after 73 years, ”said Mayor Heitman.
The actual Swamp Buggy Races will take place on December 4th and 5th.
See similar https://www.winknews.com/2021/10/30/swamp-buggies-naples-longest-running-tradition-returns/
The post Swamp Buggys: Naples’ oldest tradition returns first appeared on Daily Florida Press.from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/swamp-buggys-naples-oldest-tradition-returns/
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