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Over 50,000 people converged on downtown for the 44th annual Lakeland Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4. People started placing their chairs early in the morning, and by the time the parade began, sidewalks along the route were packed.
This year’s parade theme was “Rockin’ Around Lakeland.” Organizers from the Junior League of Greater Lakeland asked participants to create a home-for-the-holidays feeling and showcase ways that the Lakeland community celebrates the joy of the holidays.
This year’s parade had 123 participants – floats, marching bands, and organizations. Highlights included the many local students who showed off their musical, singing and dancing talent, local businesses like Bent’s Cyclery with their amazing wheelie skills, a giant, overflowing Publix shopping cart and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who steal the show at the end of the parade every year.
2025 parade winners:
- Judges’ Choice – Family Martial Arts Center
- Best Professional Float – Mid-State Industrial Maintenance
- Most Outstanding Band – Kathleen Senior High
- Most Original Float – Santa Fe Catholic High School
- Best Youth/Education Float – Lake Gibson Senior FFA
- Best Business Float – Smithbilt Industries Inc.
- Best Community Float – Early Learning Coalition of Polk County
- Best Themed Float – South McKeel PTO
Watch the full parade video at https://www.youtube.com/live/5G2o2mXb3Og?si=KZkzZVH-3J9NIJ-t
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