Youth Take Stage in Junior Orange Bowl Parade

A well-known annual event, the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, returns to the streets of Coral Gables this year on Sunday, Dec. 12.

The parade, titled “Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration,” honors active youth and community and will feature floats, bands, performers and thousands of kids from community groups.

The Junior Orange Bowl Parade is the founding event of the 73-year Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival, created to showcase the talents and strengths of young people. With that goal in mind, an All-Star Band has been introduced this year, an honor ensemble for high school students who will not be performing with their school bands.

Marching bands, drum corps, dance teams, colorful community floats, motorized vehicles and mounted equestrian units are also featured in the parade, which begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 12. The parade travels south from Alhambra Circle and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, turns right on Miracle Mile, and finishes just past Coral Gables City Hall. Santa himself will make an appearance, adding to the parade’s family appeal, and collection stations along the parade route will accept new, unwrapped toys for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Parade viewers are encouraged to bring chairs and seating to watch the free event. Families can also purchase tickets for grandstand seating and VIP Hospitality, which includes a pre-parade reception with food and drinks.

Local organizations, nonprofits and businesses are encouraged to join the fun through the community float program, which judges the floats in 5 categories. Groups can score cash prizes for the best costumes, use of holiday theme, community spirit, fan favorite and best overall.

The Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival includes competition in sports such as basketball, tennis and golf, and showcases talents such as creative writing, photography and film. Learn more about the Festival at
http://www.juniororangebowl.org/what-we-do/participate.html.