KIDS GET THEIR OWN KING MANGO PARADE

The King Mango Strut Parade has spent thirty years making fun of silly celebrities and seedy politicians.   People impersonating these "media stars" wander through Coconut Grove like clockwork at the end of every year (they'll do it again on Dec. 29).
 
   Now imagine something different, this clever parade without the likes of Ted Cruz, Richie Incognito, or a twerking Miley Cyrus. Wouldn't that be better?  Couldn't this tired parade use an infusion of young blood? 

   King Mango will get transfused this Saturday when kids take over the 32-year tradition. Their new, improved parade , "The Kid's King Mango Strut", will march through the Miami Book Fair on November 23 at 10:30 a.m. The procession is being produced by my book fair friends and myself.   It feels good to be turning this old idea into something new.

    The King will get a fresh start in downtown Miami; his procession will have many groups of children. Their themes will be derived from the world of writing and literature.  As there are books about almost everything, it isn't too limiting.

   The children's parade will be simple and small like the Grove's "Strut" used to be.   Groups will include,  "The Reading Robots",  "A Funeral Procession for Cursive Writing", and  "Kendall's Kindle Precision Drill Team".   
   Many young strutters will be dressed as their favorite authors and book characters.   Unlike the Grove parade, motorized vehicles will not be allowed (kids are too young to drive anyway).
 
   The Kid's King Mango Strut will begin at the fair's "Children's Alley" at NE 1 St.and NE 3 Ave. at 10:30 a.m.   It will make its way around the entire fair until it winds up where it began.  Book fair admission is $8 adults, teen and seniors $5, and kids are free.





              Random Reading Robots

   Come to the book fair on Saturday.  See how silly King Mango's kids can be!