It's a Holiday Parade-a-Palooza!

It's time to dig your tacky holiday sweater out of your closet and wear it proudly; this weekend, two holiday parades will take over the streets in Palm Harbor. This is a big deal, how many communities can say they have two holiday parades?!

The 29th Annual Palm Harbor Community Holiday Parade is Saturday at 3 p.m. Santa will be in the parade, along with five talented kids who won the holiday coloring contest. Keep an eye out for Palm Harbor Patch, we'll be in the parade and we'll be handing out free balloons and candy to celebrate the holiday.

The parade starts at Westlake and Nebraska, then heads onto Omaha St., then to Florida Ave. where it will end at Jones Plaza in Historic Old Downtown Palm Harbor. Refreshments will be served and kids will have the opportunity to meet Santa.

The parade is a popular holiday tradition in Palm Harbor. "It brings the community together for a great family event," says Erica Lynford, Director of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation.

The Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Palm Harbor Historical Society, Old Palm Harbor Main Street, Inc. and Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation are presenting the parade, which is sponsored by the Palm Harbor Rotary Club.

Another popular holiday tradition is the Christmas Golf Cart Parade in Ozona. This is the 12th year for the offbeat parade, which will be held Sunday night. According to Ozona resident and parade organizer, Diane Williams, the parade got its start when a group of neighbors decided to decorate their golf carts and drive around the community. 

There are now upwards of 100 golf carts in the parade, "Some people get very elaborate with their designs," said Williams. Last year, one participant turned his golf cart into a Beatles-themed yellow submarine. Another golf cart was made to look like a tow truck that pulled Santa's sleigh; complete with a live band. Palm Harbor Fire Rescue often participates in the parade with its "fire engine" golf cart.

Williams says Ozona residents look forward to the annual event, "It's a very small town, neighborly parade, we have a lot of fun together" she said. 

If you have a golf cart, you are invited to decorate it and meet in the area near the  (311 Orange St.) & the . If you do not have a golf cart and want to watch the parade, show up there, too. The parade route goes up and down Orange St. and winds through nearby streets. Contest judging and prizes will be awarded at JC Craver's after the parade.

If you want to grab a bite to eat before or after either one of the parades, nearby restaurants will be open.