The holidays are rolling in with exciting events to encourage community warmth! This year, the City of Groveland will begin its holiday charm showcase in the Downtown Festival Park, with a variety of family activities beginning Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. accompanied with live musical performances. The main event, which is the city’s 28thAnnual Christmas Parade, will begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Cherry Street and Indiana Avenue, and will end at the intersection of Magnolia Street and Iowa Avenue in the Gray Middle School Field. The route is approximately 1 mile long and participants will see local, decorative floats, as well as, a live appearance from Santa Claus. Immediately following the Christmas Parade, there will be a Christmas Festival in the Downtown Festival Park, featuring food trucks, live music, rock climbing, bounce houses and more – everyone is welcome!

Attendees for Friday’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will enjoy crafts and food from local vendors to begin the festivities. For those wanting to take holiday pictures with their families, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Clauses will take place from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the gazebo. In addition, children ages 2 -12 are encouraged to bring their flashlights for the Candy Cane Hunt at 6 p.m., followed by a children’s classic movie in the park, for everyone to enjoy. Local crafts and food vendors will be available on-site until 8:30 p.m.

“We anticipate a wonderful family atmosphere where the community can gather together and enjoy the holiday season,” said Mike Walker, Director of Parks, Facilities and Community Services. “This is what the City of Natural Charm is all about.”

Both vendors and float participants are still welcomed for this event, and can download the application(s) from the City of Groveland’s Facebook page, along with the rules and regulations for the event. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at 4 p.m. All inquiries are to be directed to the Groveland Parks and Recreation team, by calling (352) 429-2141 ext. 2605, or by emailing park-rec@groveland-fl.gov.