Many have participated in this pre-dawn ritual for years. Others learned their lessons after arriving too late to the heavily anticipated event scheduled for later that evening and vowed to go above and beyond to score the perfect vantage point.
After aligning their seats just so on the sidewalk, they slipped back into their vehicles and headed off, either to their warm home or, for some, an empty office where they hoped to get a head start on the day. By the time a handful of volunteers arrived on Collins later that morning to erect the stage upon which the parade judges could critique the passing floats and displays, the streets were heavily dotted with roped off groups of chairs.
Though the annual Plant City Christmas Parade didn’t begin until 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, the community was already showing its adoration for the festive event. By 6 p.m. parking was almost non-existent in downtown and the majority of the streets were standing room only. Krazy Kup’s line wrapped nearly to the door as folks flooded in to pick up hot chocolates and holiday-themed beverages in anticipation of the party. As the clock rolled near start time, a restless energy built in the thick crowd. Sirens sounded in the distance and everyone’s heads turned down the street to watch in awe as dozens of law enforcement officers zoomed along the parade route. Finally, the Christmas Parade banner made its appearance and Grand Marshals David and Diane Brewington followed closely behind. City and county commissioners came next and then the onslaught of adorned floats and vehicles arrived on the scene.
Despite the brisk and ever dropping temperatures, the crowd never lost its enthusiasm. People let out cheers of glee as beads and candy were tossed their way. Attendees called out to the friends they spotted walking or riding along the route and children eagerly pointed out their favorite floats and Christmas tunes sounding from the paraders.
Being Plant City, no parade is complete without the brief interruption of a passing train and while the route had to be paused several times for the oncoming railcars, the party picked up right were it had let off as soon as each train passed.
Prancing reindeer rounded off the parade as they pulled a “flying sleigh” along the route, from which Santa and Mrs. Claus proudly waved to attendees.
A well-oiled machine, the parade continues to grow. Several city commissioners praised the event and proclaimed it was the highest attendance they had ever seen.