The holiday spirit was palpable at this year’s Plant City Christmas parade as thousands of people gathered to witness the spectacle. Empty chairs lined the parade route hours before the event started as eager viewers vied for a front-row seat to watch the city’s high school marching bands, floats and city leaders decked out in Christmas apparel spread Christmas joy.
Plant City resident Dodie White thought it was the perfect evening for the event. “It was a beautiful night for a parade and we couldn’t have asked for better weather,” she said.
The parade included plenty of throws, from beads and glow sticks to candy and jingle bell bracelets. The crowd went wild as the Chick-fil-A float rolled through while its festive elves passed out mini stuffed cows and cards for a free dessert.
“I definitely loved the Chick-fil-A float,” said 9-year-old Plant City resident Chloe Livengood.
Her mother Shelly said she and her daughters, Chloe and 13-year-old Chelsea, attend the parade every year but this year’s was definitely her favorite. “There was so much to see this year,” she said. “it definitely left us feeling lots of good Christmas spirit.”
Three judges included the Honorable Michael Scionti of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit , Danny Burgess’ legislative aide Kimberly Simon, and Trina Darby had their work cut out for them trying to select category winners from the festive entrants. “I was watching for lots of enthusiasm, creativity and holiday spirit,” said Scionti.
The Overall Entry award went to Chick-fil-A. The Best Marching Unit award went to Strawberry Crest Marching Band. The Best School Entry award went to Tomlin Middle School FFA. The Best Church or Religious Entry award went to Life Journey Baptist Church. The Best Business Entry award went to Judy’s Dance Academy.