{"id":38082,"date":"2023-10-31T14:27:41","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T18:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=38082"},"modified":"2023-10-31T14:27:48","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T18:27:48","slug":"lakeland-christmas-parade-modified-parade-route-again-due-to-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2023\/10\/31\/lakeland-christmas-parade-modified-parade-route-again-due-to-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE MODIFIED\u00a0PARADE ROUTE AGAIN DUE TO CONSTRUCTION"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Lakeland Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition, enjoyed by the community for generations.\u00a0 The parade will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023,\u00a0following\u00a0a\u00a0modified\u00a0route\u00a0due to\u00a0construction impacting Orange Street.\u00a0\u00a0Initially, parade organizers included Lake Morton Drive as part of the route but that decision has been modified because of the expense and manpower needed to properly police the grass banks of Lake Morton.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bob Donahay, Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts said, \u201cAfter much consideration during our most recent event meeting, the group decided to not include Lake Morton Drive in the 2023 parade route.  We are going to follow the same route we did in 2006 when the parade was shortened because of downtown construction.  This decision is based on public safety and the expense it would take to properly manage the lakeshore but possible impacts to the swan population at Lake Morton was another huge factor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognized as one of Lakeland\u2019s largest annual events, the Lakeland Christmas Parade will start with dazzling fireworks over Lake Mirror at 7 p.m.  As the first firework is launched, the parade will officially begin. Leaving the RP Funding Center, the parade will travel down Lemon Street towards downtown, turning left on Tennessee Avenue, then right on Main Street.  At Massachusetts Avenue, the parade will turn right, heading south to Lake Morton Drive.  The parade will turn right at the lake, travelling to Walnut Street before heading up Tennessee Avenue.  At Orange Street, the parade will turn left and continue to the RP Funding Center, where the parade will conclude. Roads that are impacted by the parade route will close at 5 p.m. except for the portion of Lime Street between Florida Avenue and Lake Beulah Drive that will close at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s parade has over 120 entries that includes floats, marching bands, and decorated trailers.  The parade will end with everyone\u2019s favorite, Mr. and Mrs. Claus atop their sleigh.  The theme for this year\u2019s parade is Christmas<\/em> i<\/em>n Candyland <\/em>with each float incorporating the theme into their design. Each year, parade participants compete to win special recognition in eight categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Most outstanding band<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Most original float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Best professional float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Best youth or educational float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Best community float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Best business float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Best theme float<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Judge\u2019s choice<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The City asks that no chairs be placed on the parade route until the day of the parade.  Each year, many of those attending the parade start staking their claim earlier and earlier.  Fire Chief Doug Riley says, \u201cWe understand people want a good vantage point to watch the parade.  Unfortunately, we have chairs blocking sidewalks and crosswalks days before the parade.\u201d  Police Chief Sammy Taylor adds, \u201cThis causes a major hazard, especially for those in our community that use wheelchairs and walkers to get around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The City will remove\/relocate chairs that are totally blocking sidewalks, in the way of crosswalks and hindering the use of disabled parking spaces.\u00a0 \u201cWe understand the excitement surrounding this event, but we also want to keep in mind the safety of all our citizens.\u201d\u00a0 Riley and Taylor said, \u201cPlease, no chairs on the parade route before Thursday, December 7th<\/sup>.\u201d\u00a0 Chairs, tape, blankets, and other materials used to save viewing spaces will be removed if placed in public right-of-way before the day of the parade.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Look for additional information on the Lakeland Christmas Parade and other Holiday Happenings after Halloween.<\/p>\n\n\n

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