47th Annual Holiday Street Parade Shines in Boca

By: Bryanna Basilio

The 47th Annual Holiday Street Parade in Boca Raton took off on Wednesday night, Dec. 6. This year’s parade theme was “Light Up Boca,” which emphasized Christmas lights. The parade route flowed from Federal Hwy & SE 5th Street traveling north to Mizner Park. Viewing bleachers were placed at Sanborn Square, where the parade judges’ table was also located. Parade attendees flooded Federal Highway early hoping to get a good spot along the highway. Many sat on the curb or in a lawn chair brought from home, others standing, but all excitedly waiting for the parade to start.

Photo credit: Eade

As 7:30 p.m. began to roll around, live music from local bands grew louder and louder as the participants made their way south. Choirs, entertainers, dancers, cheerleaders, baton twirlers, various drill teams, and a wide array of colorful floats all well-lighted for the occasion scrolled down the road. In addition, several area restaurants, schools, and businesses joined in and supported the holiday festivities as a tradition.

The annual Police Athletic League (PAL) Holiday Mile preceded the parade. This holiday mile challenge has become a holiday tradition as friends, family, and spectators cheer on 100 plus runners as they sprint north on Federal Highway amidst holiday lights and garland wreaths lining their course. Trophies were awarded to the top 15 men and women finishers. The run is organized by the Boca Raton Police Athletic League and Runners Edge of Boca Raton. Sponsors of the holiday events, organized by the City, included the Sun-Sentinel, WRMF 97.9 FM, and the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District.

The next parade event will be the Holiday Boat Parade held on Saturday, Dec. 17. The theme is also Light Up Boca and will take place on the Intracoastal Waterway at the C-15 canal (Boca Raton-Delray Beach city limits) traveling south to Hillsboro Bridge. The event will begin at 6:30 pm and last until 8 p.m.

Entry into the Boat Parade is free with thousands of dollars in cash prizes and awards up for grabs. Last year the parade had over 20 boats participating and this year promises to be just as exciting.

Below are the estimated bridge closing times for the Boca Boat Parade:

Bridges are held in the up position for approximately 45 minutes