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Ride, Santa, Ride In Dec. 5 Parade

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By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: November 19, 2008

PLANT CITY - Strike up the band.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

The Plant City Christmas Parade, a community mainstay for a quarter-century, will wind its way through downtown on the evening of Dec. 5.

The procession will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Collins and Alsobrook streets and follow Collins north before heading east on Reynolds Street to Michigan Avenue, a route of about 11/4 miles.

Parade co-chairman Frank LaBarbera said about 100 units including marching bands are anticipated. Traditional entries range from floats for area businesses to vehicles carrying city commissioners and other dignitaries.

For many, the highlight is the arrival of the honored guest: the Jolly Old Elf.

"We always bring him in on some kind of special unit, something unique, and we keep that secret every year until the last minute," LaBarbera said.

In the past, St. Nick has abandoned his traditional sled in favor of such vehicles as a rocket launcher and a giant motorized hot dog. Whatever he rides, it will be near the end of the long procession.

This will be the first Christmas parade since the Dec. 7 death of Jordan "Booka" Hays. The Inverness boy was fatally crushed by the Greater Heights Family Worship Center float as he helped distribute candy in last year's parade.

After his death, the city adopted rules to help ensure parade safety, including more parade safety marshals and a ban on distribution of candy, beads and other trinkets.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

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