Groveland residents turned out in the thousands to see the annual holiday parade, which was one of many seasonal activities the city sponsored on Saturday. The day started with the debut of the Elf Run 5K, which started and ended at Groveland’s Downtown Festival Park. Council members held a ribbon-cutting grand opening at the new park, kicking off a day of holiday activities before the 4 p.m. Winter Wonderland parade. Many in the crowd stayed for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Downtown Festival Park, followed by a concert by the South Lake High Jazz Ensemble in the new gazebo.
The parade Grand Marshal was Mac McGarvey, a World War II veteran, and the Junior Grand Marshal was Hope Brownlee, 12, who started a free little library in downtown Groveland. Former Council Member John Griffin, who had originally been named the grand marshal, but was unable to attend, will be the 2019 grand marshal.
Judges announced the following parade winners. All bands were awarded trophies.
HOLIDAY PARADE WINNERS
Mayor’s Choice Grand Award: Inspiration Dance Academy
Floats
1st place – Groveland Elementary
2nd place – Christian Worship Center
3rd place – Groveland Police Department
Walking
1st place –The Dance Company
2nd place – Royal Empire Equestrian
3rd place – South Lake Pop Warner Eagles
Motorized
1st place – Clermont Jeep Club
2nd place – Lake County Sheriff’s Office
3rd place – Trucks Gone Wild
ELF RUN 5K WINNERS
Men’s Division
· 1st place: Kevin Grogan
· 2nd place: Dustin Homan
· 3rd place: Eric Seda
Women’s Division
· 1st place: Gwen Winton
· 2nd place: Savannah Brogan
· 3rd place: Lizzie Vergara
Youth Division
· 1st place: Zoey Rogers
· 2nd place: Trey Brogan
· 3rd place: Aaron Snyder
Best Elf Costume: Kiara Hernandez
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