St. Augustine’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled to go on after sponsors came forward this week, organizers say.
The 62-year tradition was almost broken after parade organizers said they could not afford to pay city fees this year.
Linda Abbott has run the St. Augustine Christmas parade for more than two decades. She said this year’s parade was in jeopardy without a sponsor to cover the costs.
“The time was running short, so I made a decision I didn’t want to make but I thought it was only fair to the people who were getting ready for the parade,” Abbott said.
BREAKING: I just confirmed with organizer of St. Augustine Christmas Parade it will NOT be cancelled after they found a new sponsor
— Ben Becker (@BenBeckerANjax) November 7, 2017
A city spokesperson said the parade received a waiver in 2013 and 2014, but it paid nearly $7,000 for security in 2015 and 2016.
John Reardon is a long-time parade advocate. He said the parade is part of what makes St Augustine so special, along with Nights of Lights.
“It’s a beautiful parade, just like the Thanksgiving parade in New York City,” Reardon said. “This is one of the traditions of historic St. Augustine.”
Abbott says she’s glad to find a new sponsor because the parade is personal for her.
“What it means to me is my heart. I absolutely love it for the kids,” Abbott said. “When you see the smile on their face when they see Santa coming, it would melt anybody’s heart.”
The Christmas parade is Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m.
Cox Media Group
