The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland are proud to host the 39th annual Lakeland Christmas Parade the evening of December 5, 2019. Each year, a Grand Marshal is selected to ride in the first car of the parade and lead the floats down the streets of Lakeland. This year, we are holding a contest for children in grades 6th – 8th to become the Grand Marshal.

The parade theme is The Joy of Giving and we have invited all float participants to decorate their floats in a manner which showcases the way our beautiful City of Lakeland gives back to them (or) the way in which they and/or their community affiliations give back to our greater community. What is their favorite thing about Lakeland? Swans, Beautiful Parks, Farmers Market, Mayfaire, Food, Music, etc. How do they Give Back to their community? Food Drives, Toy Collections, Volunteer Hours, Church, Art, Dance, etc.?

To participate in the contest to become Grand Marshal, please provide a paragraph responding to the question, “How do you believe the City of Lakeland and surrounding community “gives back” to you (or) how do you “give back” to your community?” In addition, please draw and color a picture of your float.

To participate as Grand Marshal, you and your guardian (guardian must be 18 years old or older) must be available beginning at 5:30 PM on December 5, 2019 through the end of the Christmas Parade, approximately 9:00 PM.

All applications must be mailed to the Junior League at PO Box 8797, Lakeland, FL 33806 and be received by October 31, 2019. You can download this year’s application form here.

There is no cost to apply or participate as Grand Marshal. The selection of the Grand Marshal is at the sole discretion of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. If you have any questions, please email ChristmasParade@JLGL.org.