Abacoa Hosts 48th Annual JTAA Christmas Parade

Name: Abacoa Hosts 48th Annual JTAA Christmas Parade
Start: 2024-12-08T13:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-08T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Abacoa, Jupiter, Florida

Schedule

Sun Dec 08 2024 at 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Abacoa, Jupiter, Florida | Jupiter, FL

LOCATION: Due to the continued construction of Jupiter’s US 1 bridge the JTAA Christmas Parade will take place in Abacoa again this year.
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 are the trend and seemingly here to stay.
DON’T BE LEFT OUT: Bring yourself, your business, your organization, group or non-profit and join the fun participating in this annual parade. Gather with your friends and colleagues and begin brainstorming about Ugly Sweaters/T-shirts now. This is a fun and whimsical theme children and adults will enjoy!
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY: If it takes a community to put on a community event then we need the community to pass on the word! Please “Share” this event with your friends and groups and help us keep this long-held Jupiter community tradition alive!
FREQUENTLY ASKED PARADE QUESTIONS
(For more FAQ’s visit www.jtaa.org)
Q: When and where is the parade?
A: The parade is on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm. 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).
Q: How can I, or my group, participate in the parade?
A: You can obtain a copy of this year’s registration form, by visiting our web site www.jtaa.org select the “Info/Resources” then select “Events” then “HOLIDAY PARADE" from here you can print a copy of the registration form.
Q: What is the deadline for filing an entry application for our organization? A: Registration deadline Friday, November 8th
Q: How can I volunteer to help with this event?
A: If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. Please include "VOLUNTEER" in the subject line. Or Call Mike Cesarano 561 373-7414.
Q: I registered for the parade. When can I expect to receive confirmation?
A: Confirmation of your participation will be sent (by e-mail) within a few days from receiving your registration. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact us for further information. 561 373-7414
Q: When can I find out my assigned Parade #?
A: There will be a MANDATORY MEETING: All entries MUST send at least one representative. On Monday, December 2nd at 7:00 pm at the Jupiter Community Center (200 Military Trail) for the purpose of passing out parade line-up information and to clarify all aspects of the parade. You have plenty of time from now until meeting date to clear your schedule or assign a representative to attend! ... NO EXCUSES! Due to this new temporary parade route location, there is additional information to explain and visualize.
Q: Can anyone enter in the parade?
A: Yes. The parade is open to all people, groups, organizations and businesses in the community. The parade is designed as a community and family event. The Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry if it is deemed unsuitable, or in direct competition with the organizing sponsor. As a 501c3, the IRS does not allow us to get involved in anything political either for or against. We have to remain apolitical or else we can lose our charitable designation.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Yes, A new unwrapped toy (or toys, shop with your heart) to be donated to the US Marines TOYS FOR TOTS is required. For large groups 1 toy for every 10 participants is suggested. All toys will be collected in the staging area. Follow the instructions on the parade registration form.
Q: Do I have to have a float in the parade?
A: NO. All walkers, bicycles, trucks, cars are welcome.
Q: What types of vehicles are allowed in the parade?
A: Business or private cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, flat bed floats — or your own two feet! Anyone is welcome to be a part of the parade.
Q: Can I display my company sign?
A: Yes. Feel free to decorate your business or private vehicle.
Q: Our entry is a children’s group; can their parents walk along side during the parade? A: Yes.
Q: Can I include animals in my Parade Entry?
A: We do welcome animals within the following parameters for the health and safety of participants. Animals must remain 100% supervised and "contained" by leash, cage, or rider/reigns at ALL TIMES. All parade entries with animals must comply with the Municipality’s “pooper scooper” ordinance. Large animals must be diapered or someone within the unit must be designated to properly deal with animal waste. Any violation of the “pooper scooper” ordinance is the sole responsibility of the organization responsible for bringing the animals to the parade.
Q: Can I hand out literature or candy, etc.?
A: Tossing of any items, including candy is prohibited. Walkers may distribute candy or other novelty items directly to curbside viewers. Any activity that entices spectators to enter the Parade route is prohibited. running out to get a piece of stray candy; they could reach under a float, or run in front of a car, etc.
Staging
Staging will take place in the UF Scripps parking lot, 120 Scripps Way Jupiter, FL 33458. Staging begins at 11:00 AM for those needing a little extra time for set up. All floats to be judged MUST be in place by 12 noon!
Q: Is there parking designated for parade entries?
A: Yes. There is parking in the UF Scripps parking lot.
Parade
Q: Who puts on the parade?
A: The Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association (JTAA) is once again sponsoring the 48th annual Christmas Parade, operated by a committee of volunteers. The committee works year-round planning and preparing for this event.
Q: What time does the parade route start shutting down to
vehicular traffic?
A: At 12:45 PM we will start to shut down the parade route to all traffic.
Q: How long does the parade last?
A: Approximately 1½ to 2 hours from any given point.
Q: What is the distance of the parade? A: Approximately 1½ miles in length.
Is there free parking?
Free parking is permitted in Abacoa’s two Downtown Abacoa garages, and one Abacoa garage located by the Marriott hotel. There is also parking on Main St. or University Blvd. Handicap parking is available and clearly marked on Main St. and University Blvd.
Note: Be aware not to park in resident parking spaces as a tow at your expense would not be a great way to wrap up the evening!
Q: Is there any additional Parking?
A: Yes, Use the southbound lane of Central Blvd and west of Promenade Way.
Q: Where can I see the parade?
A: From the curb along the entire parade route.
Review
Q: Who is this year’s Grand Marshal?
A: This year's Grand Marshall has not yet been chosen.
Q: Where is the judging stand?
A: The judging stand is located on the north (right) side of Frederick Small Rd. just before the entrance to Abacoa Community Park (ACP).
NOTE: Performances at the Staging Area ARE NOT considered as part of the judging criteria. Judges will focus on your float and decorations to determine the awards.
Prizes
Q: Will there be prizes?
A: Yes. Prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category: Originality, Compliance w/Theme, Best Overall Decoration.
Decorating Ideas?
Yes: Few Website links:
Christmas Float ideas: (there are many more - just search for Christmas float ideas)
http://paradefloats.wordpress.com/category/christmas-float/
http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_Parade_Float_Ideas
http://www.ehow.com/way_5134849_church-parade-float-ideas.html
Inverters: www.dcacpowerinverters.com
LED light strings: www.imaginarycolours.com