Plant City hopped on board the annual Grand Parade as it rolled into town Monday morning.
The annual event drew crowds to the streets of historic downtown as the city came to a screeching halt in what is arguably the largest celebration during the Florida Strawberry Festival. Train floats paid homage to this year’s theme, “All Aboard,” and walkers tossed beads and candy to those along the streets.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many watch parties were either canceled or had a reduced crowd this year. However, many of those who attended sported their berry-themed masks. Floats from local high schools and businesses as well as out of town groups filled the street with festive vibes that brought the parade to life.
This was the first year that the parade was live streamed. Mayor Rick Lott and City Manager Bill McDaniel set up shop across from City Hall to narrate the ongoings of the festivities and interview attendees.