Cooper Ford, right, won the older kids Bubble Blowing Contest. Two other contestants look on. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Thousands are expected to line the Homestead Rd. route for the Lehigh Acres Spring Festival Parade which begins Saturday at 11 a.m.

That’s the word today from Andy Reisinger who has been chairman of the parade committee for about seven years.

“We’re expecting a lot of people from out of town to be in the parade this year. The Morehaven (Fla.) Seniors will be in the parade in addition to the popular Bayshore Cloggers. Many local firms will be represented and this year, both the Lehigh Senior High School and East Lee County High School bands will march in the parade in an attempt to win a trophy.

“It’s a surprise where they will be located in the parade,” Reisinger laughed. He also said the JROTC units from both high schools will march in uniform.

This year’s parade marshal will be Jose Morillo, the CEO of Lehigh Regional Medical Center and president of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce. The Pioneer Family representative, which is selected by the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce, will be Jim Phebus, the former owner of a florist in Lehigh, a Chamber volunteer who works with Lehigh Community Services.

Andy Reisinger, parade chairman

Reisinger said he expects about 70 units to be in the parade, an increase over last year. Those in the parade will assemble down Beth Stacey and parts of Business Way which will be closed off to regular traffic early Saturday. This is the first year that entrants in the parade were asked for a $35 fee.

Reisinger said the popular Araba Temple will appear here again.

He said people in moving vehicles in the parade have been asked not to throw candy out. But instead, many walkers along the vehicles will throw candy to the children.

“It’s a safety issues,” Reisinger said.

Meanwhile, the festival began Friday night with the singing of the National Anthem by Kalee Coyle and the Spring Festival Junior and Senior Idol contest. They continue all week. On Saturday, there were several competitions and shows on the outside stage. On Saturday night, a large crowed packed the park to see Stayin’ Alive, a Bee Gee’s tribute group perform. Several contests were held on Sunday including the baby pageant, the bubble gum blowing contest, the Diaper Derby, Festival pageants. Competitions for crafts and needlework were held Monday night.

Winner of the younger kids; bubble gum blowing contest.

The following is a schedule of activities from Tuesday to Saturday, the final day:

TUESDAY, March 23

6 p.m.: Registration begins for Art contest

6 p.m.: The Golden Road Quartet Southern Gospel Music

7 p.m.: Judging begins for Art Contest

Brighten Bishop was the winner of the Toddler Race.

7:15 p.m.: Spring Festival Junior Idol Contest

8:30 p.m.: Spring Festival Idol Contest

WEDNESDAY, March 24

6 p.m.: Registration begins for Cakes Cookies & Chili contest

6 p.m.: Katz Dance Studio

Stayin Alive performs on the Saturday night stages of the Lehigh Spring Festival. Photo by Robert J. Anderson

7 p.m.: Judging begins for Contests.

7 p.m.: Spring Festival Junior Idol Contest

8 p.m.: Spring Festival Idol Contest

THURSDAY, March 25

6 p.m.: Stand Up Comedians Magnum Jackson, Josh Bollock and Slo Jo Simmons

6 p.m.: Registration begins for Flowers Fruits & Vegetables contest

7:15 p.m.: Spring Festival Junior Idol Semi-Finals

8:15 p.m.: Spring Festival Idol Semi-Finals

FRIDAY, March 26

6 p.m.: Footnotes Dance & Music Studio

7 p.m.: Announce the winner of the Honorary Mayor Race

7:30 p.m.: Spring Festival Junior Idol Finals

8:30 p.m.: Spring Festival Idol Finals

SATURDAY, March 27

PARADE DAY

11 a.m.: Lehigh Spring festival Grand Parade, Homestead Rd.

Sponsored by: Lehigh Regional Medical Center & Community Of Lehigh Acres

12:30 p.m.: Ted & Katie, A Festival Tradition

2 p.m.: Detonator Classic Rock / Blues

3:30 p.m.: E. L. Smith Classic Rock

5 p.m.: Still Kickin’ Cover and original variety

6:30 p.m.: Cornbread Brothers Blues Rock

8 p.m.: Live & Learn Music Finale and Farewell