Downtown Coral Gables once again played host to the annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade on Dec. 1.
Members of the Tuskegee Airmen were the grand marshals as they led floats, bands, cheer and dance groups, motorcycles and cars, horse groups and many other local organizations down Miracle Mile in celebration of another Junior Orange Bowl Festival and this year’s theme “Illumination Spectacular.” The parade also featured performances by Hip Hop Kidz, Miami Children’s Chorus, and Focal Point Dance Studio.
The 65th parade was special as two major changes were received with great praise by attendees. The parade returned to a nighttime celebration as most units and floats were decorated with lights. The second change was the move to Thanksgiving weekend, which was to allow the community to be more involved and offer a fun-filled and family oriented event over the weekend.
Four units were awarded in different categories. The City of Coral Gables float won Best City Entry with its Toy Soldier float, Super Wheels Skating Center won Best Presentation of Theme, Best Community Entry went to the Dalmation Rescue, and the Miami Children’s Hospital float won Best Use of Imagination.
The Junior Orange Bowl Parade is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children’s Hospital, Ford, and Barry University as well as all of the parade volunteers.
