“Hometown Christmas”

File photo: The Grinch waves as he rides on the hood of a car with the Florida Gamblers 500 group during the Ocala Christmas Parade in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

You know it’s getting close to time for the Ocala Christmas Parade when you see people taping off sections of roadways and setting up chairs near coveted curbside spots.

The parade always takes on the second Saturday of each December, starting promptly at 5:30 p.m. Participants step off from the intersection of Southeast 25th Avenue and Fort King Street, then travel north on Silver Springs Boulevard for 1.6 miles and turn right on Northeast 8th Avenue, ending at Northeast 3rd Street, just before Tuscawilla Park.

This year’s event, which has a theme of “Hometown Christmas,” is set for Saturday, Dec. 10. The grand marshal is George Mathis.

The event is put on by the Friends of the Christmas Parade. The group noted on its Facebook page that “George’s outstanding record of giving back to our community is why he was chosen as this year’s recipient. As a small business owner George and his family have organized many charitable events, including his annual bicycle round up for underprivileged children in our area. Not only does George donate hundreds of bicycles himself, he organizes and collects and delivers bikes to provide to children on Christmas morning. George also hosts many events to help first responders and youth sports, not to mention many generous financial donations to local charities. George and his family are the epitome of family spirit of giving back to our community.”

The parade will feature several thousand participants, including marching bands, ROTC units, floats, animals, lots of sirens, and, of course, on the final float, Santa Claus. It is one of the oldest and largest nighttime parades in the nation.

For those planning to attend, be aware that several road closures will be in place.

To learn more, go to FB.com/OcalaChristmasParade or ocalachristmasparade.org