One of the largest events of the year draws thousands of festive attendees to downtown Plant City as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus.
The annual Plant City Christmas Parade was held Friday night and 80 floats and groups marched from Collins and Alsobrook Streets, traveling north on Collins through downtown, turned right onto Reynolds Street and ended at the courthouse. People began placing their chairs at their preferred spot days before the event and came hours early to camp out for a front row seat.
Frank Labarbera was the grand marshall this year. Labarbera is one of the original Plant City Christmas Parade organizers and has served behind the scenes for years.
Four guest judges came from out of town to evaluate the “Best High School Entry,” “Best Marching Unit,” “Best Church Entry,” “Best Business Entry” and the “Best Overall Entry.”
Best Overall Unit– Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation
Best Church Unit – GracePoint Church
Best Business Unit – Backbone Roofing
Best School Unit – Tomlin Middle Gentlemen's Quest
Best Marching Unit – Strawberry Crest High School Band
Everyone from PCPD to local churches and the Strawberry Queen and Court were present for the event and cheers rang out up and down the streets as children attempted to catch the tossed beads and candy.
When Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their appearance local children let out a squeal as they yelled to catch the attention of jolly St. Nick.