- April 8, 2026
Redeeming Life of Flagler members. Photo by Sydney Tevin
A New Beginnings Gospel Church member waves while giving out candy during the parade. Photo by Sydney Tevin
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon and church members lead the parade, holding the celebration sign. Photo by Sydney Tevin
St. James Missionary Baptist Church members hold up their parade sign as they sing. Photo by Sydney Tevin
St. James Missionary Baptist Church members. Photo by Sydney Tevin
New Found Favor Ministries. Photo by Sydney Tevin
New Beginnings Gospel Church members pose with St. James Missionary Baptist Church members. Photo by Sydney Tevin
The oldest members of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church: Queenie and James Jackson. Photo by Sydney Tevin
Can Community Health with Pastor Gregory Dukes (second from right) and Venitra Dukes (second from left). Photo by Sydney Tevin
Community members gathered on Saturday, April 4, for the “first” annual Resurrection Celebration Parade, a revived tradition honoring a historic Easter parade that first took root in Bunnell in the 1950s.
The parade, the first hosted by Redeeming Life of Flagler, made its way along East Drain Street and South Pine Street before concluding at Carver Fields. It was followed by a community health fair that brought together churches, healthcare organizations, and local families for a day of wellness and fellowship.
Organizers Pastor Gregory Dukes and Lady Venitra Dukes began serving the Bunnell community in 2019 through biweekly mission work and Sunday services. Venitra Dukes was also mentoring students through a program connected with Rymfire Elementary School.
According to a press release, while building relationships in the community, they met several longtime residents who remembered the historic Easter Parade of the 1950s, led by the late Pastor James A. Pompey.
"The parade was once a major community event that drew visitors from as far away as Boston and Chicago," the press release stated. "Pastor and Lady Dukes emphasize that they do not take credit for the history of the parade, but instead seek to honor and recognize the legacy that was already established in the community many years ago."
The Dukes then got the OK from the city to bring the parade back, and formed partnerships with local pastors and community leader Bonita Robinson.
Organizers say the church plans to host more community events in the future and hope the Resurrection Celebration Parade will grow in the years ahead, building new traditions while honoring the past.
