The 2012-13 Junior Orange Bowl Festival season is in full swing and applications are now being accepted to participate in the 64th annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade. The Parade, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 30, offers unit applicants the opportunity to continue in the tradition of marching through the streets of Downtown Coral Gables.
This year’s theme for the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is “Sailing to New Adventures.” Applicants can choose to design their own floats, decorate a vehicle, or enter a group to march the parade route. Dance, cheer, cultural, and musical groups are all welcome to show off their spirit as they march the parade route in front of thousands of spectators.
Corporations and small businesses also are welcome to submit a parade application. There are sponsorship packages available for companies to sponsor a float, display tent or purchase group tickets for employee rewards.
“The Junior Orange Bowl Parade is truly a festive and unforgettable experience for all involved, and I am very proud of the special relationships that are formed between our South Florida community and the parade participants every year,” said Kathleen Slesnick, parade chair. “The parade is a great opportunity for organizations to highlight their youth services and proudly showcase their hard work in front thousands of people.
“The parade is the perfect celebration for one last family gathering during the holidays before school starts again,” she added.
The Junior Orange Bowl Parade will begin at 4 p.m. by heading south on Ponce De Leon Blvd. starting at Alhambra Circle. The parade will continue west on Miracle Mile before finishing in front of the grandstand seating area on Biltmore Way in front of Coral Gables City Hall.
While the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is free to the public, a limited number of grandstand tickets can be purchased in advance for those preferring premium seats. Grandstand seats provide the best viewing angle for parade spectators. Ticket holders also have the added benefit of being treated to a pre-parade show sponsored by Miami Children’s Hospital. Tickets soon will be available for purchase online at www.jrorangebowl.org/parade.
For more information on the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, call 305-662- 1210 or visit the website at www.jrorangebowl.org
