Deadline for the Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association’s Christmas Parade registration is Just Around the corner.
Last chance to register...www.jtaa.org
Get ready for some Christmas cheer, because Santa Claus is making his way to Jupiter/Tequesta. The Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association (JTAA) will be hosting its 48th annual JTAA Christmas parade in Downtown Abacoa on December 8, 2024. At 1:00 PM. The parade is a remarkable gathering of community good will that translates into a magical experience for children and families every year. We are all proud to be a part of this tradition that involves so many wonderful people.
Grand Marshall
This year's Grand Marshall is Dr. Colleen Iannitti, principal of Jupiter High School who has been a huge supporter of the JTAA and this parade..
Parade Theme
“Ugly Christmas Sweaters (or T-Shirt)” You can blame our neighbors to the north for this silly tradition that really gained steam in the 1980’s, according to the Ugly Christmas Sweater Book, Ugly sweaters/T-Shirts and the trend are seemingly here to stay.
PARADE ROUTE
Parade Staging is in the UF Scripps parking lot located on Scripps Way (120 Scripps Way Jupiter, FL 33458). The parade will step off and go north using the southbound lane of Central Blvd. We will pass Main St and University Blvd; turn onto Frederick Small Rd and conclude at the Skate Park in Abacoa Community Park (ACP). (1501 W. Frederick Small Road Jupiter FL 33458) Our reviewing/judging stand is at the end of the parade route on the north (right) side of Frederick Small Road, just before the entrance to Abacoa Community Park (ACP).
The parade is a family event and will feature bands, floats and of course the man himself, Santa! Downtown Abacoa will also have local businesses and restaurants participating in all the holiday spirit, including parade watch parties and other holiday specials.
DID YOU KNOW?
The idea for a holiday celebration was formulated in 1977. At the time the JTAA Executive Board of Directors (E-Board) and the members of the local Kiwanis Club decided to create the first Christmas parade which was held on the second Sunday in December. The JTAA supplied the man power and the logistics the Kiwanis supplied the operating budget necessary. In the beginning, the parade was organized as an old-fashioned event with kids in the neighborhood riding their bikes, pulling a decorated red wagon with the family’s favorite pets, walkers, a few floats from some local businesses, and the Jupiter High School band.
The next year (to the present day) the E-Board decided to continue this event and set aside the operating budget necessary to make this an annual event.
The E-board wanted to demonstrate to the Town and the Village along with the community how much the organization (JTAA) and the parents and children appreciated all of the support it was getting at the time. Also it was a way to celebrate and to welcome the children (teams) that participate all year.
We move ahead almost five decades and that holiday celebration that started back in 1977 is still on going. This long-standing tradition is still celebrated on the second Sunday in December. What has changed is the operating budget which is MUCH larger with many more people participating and many more floats, and bands.
The 2023 parade had 90 Units with 3,000 plus people participating This wonderful tradition that we have year after year with floats being made by various area schools, civic organization, local businesses, along with entries from area girl and boy scout groups. We also featured 7 bands from our middle and high schools, along with local political dignitaries. Our registration fee which is a new unwrapped toy (or toys) that we donated to Little Smiles Holiday Toy Drive collected approximately 600+ toys.
Remember it takes a community to put on a community event. Don’t be left out!
For more information about this parade. Visit our web site www.jtaa.org