The Plant City Christmas Parade, led by Grand Marshal Lane Wetherington, will be Friday, December 6.
Santa Claus is coming to town on Friday, December 6 as the annual Plant City Christmas Parade takes over downtown streets.
While young believers anxiously await the arrival of Mr. And Mrs. Claus in their reindeer-pulled sleigh (as the main draw they are the last float), 74 floats, marching bands and other parade units hosted by local businesses, schools, sports teams, government entities and civic groups will showcase their holiday spirit and entertain the crowds, and pass out light sticks, beads, candy and other trinkets, as the anticipation builds.
The much-anticipated parade begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Alsobrook and Collins Streets, heads north then hangs a right on Reynolds St. before ending at the Plant City Courthouse. Road closures will begin at approximately 5 p.m. The Plant City Police Department and City will be on-site to manage traffic and road closures.
This year’s parade grand marshal is Mr. Christmas himself, Lane Wetherington, who is also the founder of Christmas Lane, another annual holiday tradition that lights up the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds and includes lighted Christmas trees, elaborate displays and more. He was informed of his selection the day before Hurricane Milton hit. “I was busy preparing but it was great news,” he said. “I was extremely honored and its always been a dream of mine.”
Plant City Christmas Parade President Sharon Moody is excited about the upcoming parade and hopes everyone enjoys it as much as they do. “This is a community tradition and we want this parade to be a positive experience after the recent hurricane season we’ve just been through,” she said. “We hope we can uplift everyone’s spirits during Christmastime.”
For more information about the Plant City Christmas Parade visit www.pcchristmasparade.homestead.com/ or visit its Plant City Christmas Parade Facebook page.
