AP Christmas Parade Set For Monday

Get out the lawn chairs and slip into something red and green for the Avon Park Christmas Parade, Monday, Dec. 1, the first of the county's three holiday parades.

The Avon Park event will start at 7 p.m. Marchers will work both sides of Main Street.

At least 93 units will hit the streets, during what is usually a 90-minute affair, witnessed by about 8,000 people, said David Greenslade, of the parade's major sponsor, the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce.

"This is the chamber's gift to the community during the holiday season," said Greenslade. "We wish everyone a happy holiday season."

Fire trucks, dozens of civic organizations and Miss Avon Park will lead the way until Santa concludes the parade.

Music will fill the streets, courtesy of the Avon Park High School and Middle School bands, Walker Memorial Academy and several floats with holiday carols.

The festivities will be broadcast live on Comcast Cable for those who can't attend and rebroadcast at a later date.

Food will be available from local organizations: the Avon Park High School Band Boosters, the Avon Park High School Key Club and a youth softball league.

Fewer bleachers than usual will be available and Greenslade advised parade goers to bring a chair.

Main Street will be closed eastbound from U.S. 27 to South Verona Avenue. All access on northbound streets entering onto eastbound Main Street will be closed.

The access from U.S. 27 onto eastbound Main Street will be closed at 5:30 p.m. All other access streets will be closed at 5:45 p.m.

The parade entries will start to line up on North Anoka Avenue at 4:30 p.m.

Police say this is a family event and no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Police will patrol the area to ensure public safety.

Sebring Parade

The Heartland Young Professionals will host the Sebring Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

This year's theme is "Home for the Holidays."

The parade will run in the opposite direction from what has become tradition.

From the Sebring Parkway and North Ridgewood intersection, marchers will head to the Circle on Ridgewood.

The parade will then head down South Commerce to McClain Avenue where it will end.

Lake Placid Parade

The theme for the 2008 Lake Placid Christmas Parade is "Red, White & Blue Christmas." The event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

The parade is sponsored by the Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Lake Placid.

Eileen May, chamber CEO/ President of operations, is expecting 103 parade entries, along with a visit from Santa - straight from the North Pole.

Floats, bands, cheerleaders fire trucks and several decorated boats will make their way along The Caladium Capital of the World's downtown streets.

The parade will step off at the corner of Dal Hall Boulevard and North Main Avenue. From there it will proceed south on North Main Avenue, until reaching Interlake Boulevard, where participants will head east to its conclusion at U.S. 27.

Only floats and other entrants will be allowed on Dal Hall Boulevard and North Main Avenue after 5 p.m. on parade day.