Trump boat parade set for Saturday on the reservoir

A Trump based boating group has planned a massive floating parade at the Ross Barnett Reservoir this weekend starting Saturday afternoon in front of a condominium complex on the Brandon side.

Bo Smith, an organizer of the "Trumpin' On The Rez" event and admin of the Mississippi Boaters For Trump Facebook group, said that he is looking forward to a fun and safe weekend on the water.

“We have been doing these since July 4 and are trying to hit most oft he major waterways in the state before November,” Smith said. “It is a great way to get the word out and have some fun. We had about 1,500 boats on the water in Biloxi in early August. It was pretty awesome.”

Staging will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the Woodlake condo complex on the Reservoir, just at the bridge before entering Pelahatchie Bay. The parade will start at 12 p.m. and run along the shoreline west. The parade will turn north toward North Trace Park along the shore and keep going until dispersing somewhere just south of Lost Rabbit. The whole route is expected to take between two and two and a half hours to complete.

Smith said that the group is based around support for President Donald John Trump but that anyone is welcome to join their parade.

“If you want to come out and fly a Biden flag we would be happy to have you,” Smith said. “You will be treated with the utmost respect.”

Smith said that the parade usually goes with a police escort, this time it will be a reservoir patrol boat and emphasizes safety. Smith said they have safety guidelines, included COVID related regulations for boat occupancy, spelled out on their Facebook page.

“Safety is my biggest thing,” Smith said. “I cannot say it enough before we go out but once we are on the water if everyone follows the rules it will be a fun time. If not, you might get a ticket.”

For more information visit their public Facebook page or the event page.