Oh, what a night.
The annual Plant City Christmas Parade, held Dec. 4, was a massive hit as the community tuned in — both in person and via social media — to get their holiday fix.
This year’s event was shorter than most have seen in years, but stuck to its traditional route along Collins and Reynolds streets. Floats, ROTC units, churches, businesses and organizations all led a merry march through downtown to shepherd in Santa’s return.
Guest judges Wendy Whitt, Rob Shaw, Taylor Jenkins and C.J. Major reviewed each entry and picked the top three winners, who will receive their prizes later this week in a special ceremony.
This year’s event had a twist that turned out to be a major hit. The City of Plant City live-streamed the entire parade with Mayor Rick Lott and City Manager Bill McDaniel emceeing. The duo also interviewed influential people involved in the parade throughout the evening, adding some depth and a behind the scenes look at the experience.
As of Tuesday, more than 30,000 people had tuned in to watch the livestream and there were hundreds of shares and comments.
Some floats were decked to the nines in holiday lights while others brought some entertainment via live music, dancing and even a karate presentation. The highlight, inevitably, was announced well before the big man himself arrived as watchers blocks away cheered at the top of their lungs at the sight of jolly old Saint Nick and his jovial bride.
As the flying reindeer pulled the miraculous duo through the city children and adults alike set their stresses of the past never-ending year aside and basked in the holiday magic. Santa — or perhaps Mr. Snow Miser? — was even kind enough to give attendees slightly chilly weather. It was a true Christmas miracle for the Sunshine State.
