St. Cloud Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival a 'success'

The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce’s 56th Annual Christmas Parade was a “complete success” according to organizers of the popular community event held December 5 in the downtown area. 
Sponsored by Orlando Health – St. Cloud, The city of St. Cloud and OUC among others, over 70 entries included city of St. Cloud government officials, local businesses and non-profits leading the way.  The parade theme, Hope, Love, and Peace demonstrated St. Cloud’s appreciation for those who have led the community through this year’s health crisis.
Instead of the traditional individual grand marshal, the Chamber Parade Committee selected health care workers, first responders, clergy, grocers and others who continued to serve St. Cloud and Osceola County during the pandemic.
The 2020 version of the parade took a different route compared to recent years.  Instead of winding past City Hall, the parade proceed up Pennsylvania Avenue from the lakefront to 12th Street, over to Massachusetts Avenue and back to the lakefront area. 
Parade Chairman Robert Bass said, “The weather was good and even though the parade was shorter, people put thought into each entry.  Plus, I believe people wanted a little bit of normal in their lives.”
The 2020 St. Cloud Holiday Festival was also unveiled on Saturday as vendors brought their products to St. Cloud downtown. 
One vendor said, “I brought a hundred of my hand made Christmas ornaments and have only two left.”
Chamber President Dirk Webb stated, “We want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s celebration.  While we understand those who were concerned, our merchants have been living on the edge and we were thrilled to see so many of you support them on Saturday.”