70th annual Ocala Christmas Parade is Dec. 13
The event will be broadcast on YouTube by Marion County Public Schools.
Members of the West Port High School marching band play lighted instruments as they march during the Ocala Christmas Parade on Dec. 9, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
The Ocala Christmas Parade is one of the oldest nighttime parades in the country. This year’s parade will step off from the McPherson Government Complex at 601 SE 25th Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Parade units then travel west on Silver Springs Boulevard and end at Tuscawilla Park.
The event is organized by the Friends of the Ocala Christmas Parade. In partnership with Marion County Public Schools, it will be broadcast live on the MCSP YouTube channel at youtube.com/marioncountyk12.
Hundreds of parade enthusiasts will put out chairs along the boulevard in advance of the event. On that evening, the parade usually attracts upwards of 60,000 spectators.
This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades” and the grand marshal is Bernadette Castro, of Ocala, the daughter of Italian immigrants who founded the iconic Castro Convertible sofa bed brand.
“Once dubbed ‘the most televised child in America’ because she starred in the company’s television commercials, Castro is revitalizing and relaunching the family brand after serving in the public sector as Commissioner of the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Her family’s vision and philanthropy helped shape Ocala’s cultural, civic and equestrian life over the last six decades,” noted a news release from MCPS.
Thousands of MCPS students are involved in the parade, including those in middle and high school marching band and dance groups, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs, community sports leagues and more, the release stated.
On-air commentators this year include MCPS veteran Kevin Christian, celebrating his 25th parade. Joining him will be Interim Superintendent of Schools Danielle Brewer and Wantanisha Morant, executive director of Human Resources for MCPS.
More than 125 parade units, including floats, marching bands, dance troupes, baton twirling groups, motorcycle units, equine entries and more are taking part. The line-up also includes elected officials, military units, business owners, community groups and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The parade is made possible by the cooperation of donors, community organizations and the Ocala Police Department.
For more information, go to ocalachristmasparade.org
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