Kim Odom, along with the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department, has announced a parade to ring in the season. The 2020 City of Lakeland Christmas Caravan Parade will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020, starting at 10 a.m.
Local businesses, organizations, and families are invited to join City of Lakeland staff for this festive event. Decorated floats and/or vehicles with a little Santa mixed in are just what we need to spread some much-needed holiday cheer as the end of this crazy year approaches. The Shelby County Sheriff’s officers will be on hand to provide an escort during the parade.
The IH Clubhouse parking lot (4523 Canada Rd.) will be the launch point for those wanting to participate. Line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. with the caravan parade starting promptly at 10 a.m. The parade route will culminate at Lakeland Elementary School roughly 2-2.5 hours later.
Below is a list of the entry rules and requirements, as well as a map of the route:
- No items can be thrown from a vehicle or float during the parade.
- Parade vehicles or floats must stay in line. No passing or speeding.
- Vehicles or floats only. No walkers can join the parade. Participants must always stay in their vehicles (or on their float).
- If float riders are standing, the float must have a stanchion secured to the trailer bed.
- Each vehicle or float will need a banner identifying what company or organization they are representing.
- Please limit the number of participants in one vehicle to the safety guidelines recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. (Absolutely no more than 8 allowed to a car cub.)
- No Santa Claus allowed in the vehicle or on a float. He is the focal point at the end of the parade.
- No unnecessary stopping at any time.
- Keep the space between your vehicle/float and the participant in front of you to at least 20-ft.
They recommend if you are not on the route, check with friends who who may be and borrow some of their yard, or socially distance yourself at Windward Slopes or Oakridge Parks.
There is no rain date for the parade. If you have any questions, need further details or need to pick up your entry form, contact Kim Odom at kodom@lakelandtn.org or call (901) 746-8195.
