Preparation under way for Light Up Ocala

Chris Thorell of Clark Sales Display in Tavares hangs Christmas lights on a palm on the Ocala Downtown Square as he decorates for Light Up Ocala on South Magnolia Avenue in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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Posted November 5, 2021 | By Ocala Gazette Staff

Excitement hung in the air as city workers started to string lights throughout downtown Ocala in preparation for Light Up Ocala. The festive event, set for Saturday, Nov. 20, is the annual kickoff for lighting up downtown Ocala through the end of the holidays.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to safety concerns related to the pandemic, but the lights still went up.

“After having to cancel Light Up Ocala last year, I’m sure our citizens are just as thrilled as city workers that it’s going forward,” said Councilman Jay Musleh

However, mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is still a concern the city has addressed in the event plans. These include limiting vendors and entertainment options, setting up sanitation stations, and encouraging attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing.

The lighting ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. when the sun goes down, but the festivities begin at 4.

At 4:30 p.m., the Junior Sunshine Parade will begin at the corner of South Magnolia Avenue and East Fort King Street, winding through downtown, past the gazebo, up to Northeast First Street, then returning to Southeast First Avenue and East Fort King Street. The parade will include performances from local dance studios, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Troops, Cub Scout Packs and a special appearance by Santa.

There will be multiple event zones throughout the downtown area that will feature live music and performers.

On stage one, on the Downtown Square, will feature live music by the Audio Exchange as well as photo opportunities at the holiday tree.

The stage at Citizens’ Circle will feature live music by Sidepiece as well as performances by local dance groups. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be available for socially distanced photo opportunities.

Simultaneously, a street party will be held at the corner of Northeast First Street and Northeast First Avenue featuring a DJ, with acrobatic variety and Powerkip shows.

The Marion Theatre, at 50 S. Magnolia Ave., will be screening the animated classic, “The Grinch,” with a photo opportunity with a larger-than-life Grinch.

At the corner of Fort King and Magnolia, there will be a Punch and Judy puppet show, with “Living Angels” at the corner of Fort King Street and Southeast First Ave.

A variety of vendors will be located throughout the downtown area.

Guests are encouraged to utilize two parking lots that will offer free shuttle rides throughout the event. One is at the Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St. That shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes between 3 and 10 p.m. The second is at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St. This shuttle will run approximately every 10 minutes between 3:45 and 9:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ocalafl.org/lightup or call (352) 368-5517.