Presented by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and the City of St. Cloud, in collaboration with Experience Kissimmee and sponsored by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the parade brought together over 2,000 participants across 100 entries. Pre-parade performances sponsored by Osceola Engineering set the tone for a joyful morning, featuring talented artists like singer Aileah Hemans, country performer Kenyon Lockry, and saxophonist Keith Ronan from Positively Osceola
The parade opened with a rousing start led by the St. Cloud Police Department, followed by the St. Cloud ROTC Honor Guard. Grand Marshal Nathan Blackwell, St. Cloud’s former mayor, received warm cheers as he was honored for his eight years of service to the community.
Highlights included colorful displays from local schools, including marching bands from St. Cloud Middle School, Harmony High School, Tohopekaliga High School, and St. Cloud High School, alongside the dazzling performances of the St. Cloud Golden Dancers. The parade culminated in the arrival of Santa Claus, who waved from his brand-new, St. Cloud Chamber magical sleigh and reindeer float, bringing smiles to children and adults alike.
Many spectators praised this year’s parade as the best in its long and storied history. “It was the most beautiful, fun, and enjoyable St. Cloud Christmas Parade I’ve ever attended,” shared one resident. Another visitor remarked on the exceptional organization and festive atmosphere, saying, “St. Cloud knows how to bring a community together during the holidays.”
As the parade ended, reports from the crowd suggested that Santa and his reindeer may have been seen taking off toward the North Pole, preparing for their world-wide journey to deliver gifts to children around the globe.
The event was followed by the St. Cloud Holiday Festival, presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay and sponsored by Experience Kissimmee, offering even more holiday fun on Saturday and Sunday.
A special thank you goes to Dirk Webb, President and CEO of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, and the 2024 St. Cloud Chamber Parade Committee for their hard work and commitment in making this spectacular event possible.
