Why can't the Strut get new blood?

I was talking with a Coconut Grove business owner and the King Mango Strut came up. He was not happily looking forward to it as I was. He said that it's old, stale and the older people who are part of it are not inclusive enough to have younger people be part of the event. But I don't think that's the case. I mean it is old and stale, but that's because there is no new blood, but I don't think the Strut people are keeping younger people out, I think younger people don't care and don't care to be a part of it. Statistics show that younger people, say in their 20s, maybe 30s, are not engaged in society, most don't even vote.

There is a young group called the School of Rock, that consists of middle school kids. They are excellent and a part of the Strut every year so I don't believe the Strut committee is keeping younger people out, in fact, I believe they are begging for new blood. I know they want to add to the parade to make it larger.

I know over the years they have asked me to post their meetings here in the Grapevine so that new people (new blood) will see it.

A friend says that there are many new younger families moving to the Grove and they would make excellent Stutters, but he thinks as one group - for instance a bunch of young families walking around in zig zags with baby strollers and things like that.

I think they need to be divided up. Younger members doing different themes in different groups is what's needed. The last Strut meeting before the actual event is Thursday, December 27 at 7 pm at Berries in the Grove (2884 SW 27 Avenue). Maybe some young blood might show up and have some fresh ideas.

I'm not sure if our city and Grove leaders want the Strut to die or not, but the Strut does not receive any funding from the BID or the Commissioner's office and this was not the case in the past. Past administrations were generous with their support and it's odd that the newbies in office don't support the Strut because we don't have many events left. A few years back, there were so many Grove events that everyone was lining up with their hands out. Now it's basically the King Mango Strut and they can't get a dime.

By the way, the King Mango Strut is the last Sunday of the year - December 30, 2 pm Center Grove. Hopefully the younger generation will at least show up to cheer it on.