Counting down to this year's King Mango Strut

Looks like it's going to be a big King Mango Strut this year, according to the crowd that showed up last night at Greenstreets Cafe, for the final meeting for this year's event, which hits the streets of Coconut Grove on Saturday, December 31, at 2 pm. Above, Karen Deilke and Liz Gibson, flank Theresa Calluori. Karen and Liz head up the drum circle, which will be on a flat bed truck as part of the Strut this year. Theresa showed me her costume, which is quite clever and will remain secret until Strut day.


As everyone munched on Bruschetta pizzas and had a drink or two, Antoinette Baldwin went over the rules and order for this year's event. At left are Deborah Crisp and Antoinette, at right are Alyn Pruett and Joel Krieger. Alyn is part of The Barnacle group, whose motto is, "Occupying the Grove since 1891."


The Grand Marshal this year is Ron Magill. With over 30 years as a wildlife expert and Communications Director for Zoo Miami, there's no better king of the jungle to lead the animal house of Mangoheads.

The Strut Celebrity this year is Katy Sorenson, the never recalled/never indicted/never removed-by-the-governor, former commissioner of Never-Neverland (dba Miami-Dade County.)


The Pre-Parade activities begin at 1:30 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway with the Little Mr. & Miss Mango Pageant (for kids 4-10) hosted by Buzz Fleischman (shown here addressing the crowd last night). He's Radio Buzz from WLRN's "South Florida Arts Beat." Unlike Toddlers & Tiaras, everyone is expected to win. The winners will ride the first float of the Strut.

The parade begins at 2 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. The parade turns left onto Main Highway, turns left onto Grand Avenue at CocoWalk and back to Commodore Plaza. If they're having too much fun, they will go around again until they all fall down. After the Parade, Commodore Plaza will remain closed to traffic and the King Mango Music Massacre begins. All the bands in the parade will continue playing until the festivities end at 6 pm.


All this entertainment is free and open to the public. There is plenty of parking along or near the parade route at CocoWalk, Mayfair, Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot on Main Highway and Charles Avenue, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Coconut Grove Elementary School, City garage at Oak Avenue and Mary Street, and the City garage next to the Sonesta Hotel. Click here for Coconut Grove map for parking.

You can also take the Metrorail to the Coconut Grove Station. There will be shuttle buses (Coconut Grove Circulator) picking up eager parade-goers every 15 minutes at the station and dropping off by the parade route.