45th annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade set
October 9, 2023
Save the date: Saturday, Dec. 9.
Who doesn’t love a great Christmas Parade? Well, I can tell you a few thousand people do!
We are very excited to put on our 45th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade. The parade starts at noon from the Charlotte Performing Arts Center then goes down Taylor Street and disbands at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center’s parking lot. This is one of the top community events throughout the entire year!
The parade theme this year is “A Tropical Christmas.” We welcome the entire community to come out and brings all the kids, grandchildren, family, and friends to enjoy a wonderful magical experience. I encourage you to come out early to ensure a great a view along the parade route. There are a good 2-3 thousand spectators who line the sidewalks to get a front-row view to see all the creative floats, trucks, cars, boats, marching bands and performing dance groups. Oh year, let’s not forget about a very special visitor we’ll have all the way from the North Pole.
If you have a business or organization, this is an incredibly fun way to market and promote your business by having an entry in the parade. Now is the time to start planning your entry to align with the parade’s theme. I would like to see 100-plus entries this year. There will be plenty of trophies to be awarded: President Award, Grand Marshall Award, Best Decorated Car/Pickup (1st, 2nd & 3rd place), Best Float (1st, 2nd & 3rd place), and Best Marching Band/Performing Dance Group (1st, 2nd & 3rd place).
To participate and complete your entry form, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222. Entry fee: $50 (for profit business) and $35 (nonprofit organization).
Don’t miss out on creating a very special experience for so many to enjoy!
Chamber Activities
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Dubz BBQ, 4391 Aidan Lane, North Port. Registration and meal selection require. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee Sponsor: Soul Dental. Program: Quarterly New Member Showcase. This such a great opportunity for our members to meet our new members and get familiar with their products and services and build strong beneficial connections. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charltotecountychamber.org.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, ActivAge Daytime Senion Care, 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Who’s ready for Halloween networking gathering? Feel free to wear your best costume. Appetizers and refreshments provided. There will be a Halloween themed icebreaker. Bring a gift to promote your business and bring plenty of business cards. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.