Scenes from the 70th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
Jim Carchidi
Members of Model A's of Greater Orlando were among the 80 participating organizations in Winter Park's Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. Thousands gathered along the parade route to watch the 70th installment of the local holiday tradition. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
One of Central Florida’s most enduring holiday traditions celebrated a milestone on Saturday, Dec. 3, as Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, made its way through the downtown shopping district for the 70th year.
Residents and visitors began arriving in the early morning hours to stake their spots along the parade route which included Park and New England avenues. And more than 80 participating organizations prepped their floats and practiced their performances on the side streets of north Park Avenue until the 9 a.m. start time.
Crowds eagerly await the start of the parade after arriving early to claim a spot along the sidewalk.Marcus and Debbie Brown grew up in Winter Park and were attending their 40th parade.
“We’ve lived on the coast for 15 years, but we grew up in Winter Park and we keep coming back for the parade,” said Marcus Brown, who has attended the parade for 40 years with his wife, Debbie.
Just a few yards down the block, Winter Park resident Bonnie Mack was ready to enjoy her 40th parade with her family. “It’s our tradition,” she said. “We come out bright and early, we watch everyone arrive, it’s a fun morning together.”
See the photo gallery for highlights from the 70th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade.
Volunteers with BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation wait in the staging area by their parade vehicle, which was decorated by cancer survivors.Members of the Bishop Moore Catholic High School Marching Band gather for practice.A volunteer from the Warriors on Water Cancer Survivors Dragon Boating Team decorates their parade float.Members of Park Maitland Girl Scouts patiently await the start of the parade.The parade begins with the Winter Park Police Department Honor Guard.Winter Park Police Chief Timothy Volkerson rides in the Metro SWAT armored vehicle.Members of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce ride on a float celebrating the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary.Grand marshal David Odahowski, president of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, greets the crowd along Park Avenue.District 47 Representative Anna Eskamani marches in the parade.Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph makes an impression in a vintage Pontiac GTO.The Winter Park High School “Sound of the Wildcats” marching band bring their festive sounds and fashions.A mariachi band plays “Feliz Navidad” as they make their way down the parade route. Commissioner Kris Cruzada waves from the City of Winter Park float.Keller Williams Winter Park spread holiday joy with their float-mounted snow machine.Members of Dommerich Brownie Troop 1331 entertain the crowd with bubbles.A volunteer from the Winter Park Pride Project makes a colorful impression with a peacock costume.The Winter Park Ukulele Society play their rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock.”Local Girl Scout troops hand out candy as they make their way down Park Avenue.A trainer from Victory Martial Arts shows off his skills.The parade ends with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
