When Plant City Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis learned that he had been selected as the grand marshal of this year’s Christmas Parade, being held Fri., Dec. 2, during a phone call with Sharon Moody, he felt surprised that his name made the list of possible honorees. “It was humbling because I know there are a lot of deserving people out there,” he said.
While that may be, parade committee members each selected a candidate from among a few names and unanimously selected Davis as its grand marshal. “Some years we have to have to vote twice if there’s a tie but Paul was selected with the first vote,” said Marsha Passmore, one of the Parade’s organizers. “He’s made such wonderful contributions to Plant City as president of the Florida Strawberry Festival and since he’s retiring after the next Festival we felt it was a great way to honor him.”
This is Davis’ first time as the parade’s grand marshal.
He can be seen in the parade riding in the grand marshal’s vehicle, graciously provided by Stingray Chevrolet, smiling and waving to the crowd. He’ll be the man in the red jacket, as much a nod to the holiday season as to his role at the Strawberry Festival. “People are going to be clapping and cheering for him, there’s hardly a person in Plant City that doesn’t know him,” said Passmore.
Davis’ vehicle will be near the front of the processional of 75 parade units. Who pulls up the rear? The treasured visit by Santa Claus. Why was the parade limited to only 75 units? “We limited the number of entrants several years ago because the little ones were falling asleep before Santa’s float traveled past them,” said Passmore.
Be aware the 0.8 mile parade route has changed this year. It will start at the corner of Evers Street and Ball Street, head north on Evers Street to Reynolds Street, turn right on Reynolds Street and end at Michigan Avenue at the Plant City Courthouse. Road closures will begin at approximately 5 p.m. The parade will start at 7 p.m. Plenty of strands of beads and candy will be handed out to children along the route. Barricades will be posted along the parade route to safeguard those in attendance, however it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on little ones eager to get some treats and a closeup of Santa.
City manager Bill McDaniel said the tree lighting on Thursday night and the parade on Friday is the perfect start to the holiday season. “These are events where I really begin to feel the holiday spirit because everyone in Plant City comes out and when the lights get turned on Thursday night it’s a special moment,” he said.
He would like to extend his gratitude to the General Services staff, who have put a lot of time and effort into adorning the downtown area with more than a thousand lights and other holiday decor. “They work hard to hang all the decorations so people can enjoy them,” he said.
For more information about the parade visit www.pcchristmasparade.homestead.com.