Crowds line Dunlawton Avenue for Port Orange's 40th annual Holiday Parade

Ormond Beach Observer
News

There was a festive feeling in the air on Sunday, Dec. 3, as the 40th annual Port Orange Holiday Parade made its way through the city streets.

At 2 p.m. the parade kicked off at the corner of Jackson Street and Dunlawton Avenue with cheers from children and adults alike. Floats, bands, motorcycles and the occasional pet, made their way east down the street ending at Spruce Creek Road. This year's parade theme was Christmas in Paradise, an appropriate title due to the mild temperature and slight breeze during the event.

The 2017 parade brought in Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette who was followed by his council. Florida Senator Dorothy Hukill also made an appearance in addition to local schools, businesses and first responders.

Parade participants waves as floats made their way down Dunlawton. Photo by Nichole Osinski

Kathryn Minning was in the crowd watching the band from her old school — Atlantic High.

"I like it," Minning said. "I'm happy to see my band."

With Minning was Tracey Pete who suggested the parade take place later in the evening to showcase more lights. This was her third Port Orange parade.

"I like it because it has a variety to offer," Pete said.

For some attendees the sunny and warm December parade experience was a first.

A child throws candy for the crowd during the parade. Photo by Nichole Osinski

Kirsten Fawcett, an Embry-Riddle student, was viewing the parade with fellow friend and student Jessica Johnson. Fawcett has been living in the area for five years and said this was the first local parade she had been to adding she hadn't been to a parade since she was young.

"I think this is really cute," Fawcett said. "I think it's really good for the community."

Johnson said the parade was a way to take a break before finals began at Embry-Riddle. She noted that her favorite part of the parade, and what she looked forward to the most, was the bands, as she is a former band member herself.

"This is the first Christmas parade I've seen in Florida so it's definitely different," Johnson said. "I'm from Tennessee and you don't usually see flamingos and leis and Hawaiian shirts. It's a lot different for me. I like it."