Groveland Announces Light Up Winners

Groveland residents turned out in the thousands to see the annual holiday parade, which was one of many seasonal activities the city-sponsored on Saturday. The day started with the debut of the Elf Run 5K, which started and ended at Groveland’s Downtown Festival Park. Council members held a ribbon-cutting grand opening at the new park, kicking off a day of holiday activities before the 4 pm Winter Wonderland parade. Many in the crowd stayed for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Downtown Festival Park, followed by a concert by the South Lake High Jazz Ensemble in the new gazebo.

The parade Grand Marshal was Mac McGarvey, a World War II veteran, and the Junior Grand Marshal was Hope Brownlee, 12, who started a free little library in downtown Groveland. Former Council Member John Griffin, who had originally been named the grand marshal, but was unable to attend, will be the 2019 grand marshal.

Judges announced the following parade winners. All bands were awarded trophies.

HOLIDAY PARADE WINNERS

Mayor’s Choice Grand Award: Inspiration Dance Academy

Floats

1^st place – Groveland Elementary

2^nd place – Christian Worship Center

3^rd place – Groveland Police Department

Walking

1^st place –The Dance Company

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2^nd place – Royal Empire Equestrian

3^rd place – South Lake Pop Warner Eagles

Motorized

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1^st place – Clermont Jeep Club

2^nd place – Lake County Sheriff’s Office

3^rd place – Trucks Gone Wild

ELF RUN 5K WINNERS

Men’s Division

• 1^stplace: Kevin Grogan
• 2^ndplace: Dustin Homan
• 3^rdplace: Eric Seda

Women’s Division

• 1^stplace: Gwen Winton
• 2^ndplace: Savannah Brogan
• 3^rdplace: Lizzie Vergara

Youth Division

• 1^stplace: Zoey Rogers
• 2^ndplace: Trey Brogan
• 3^rdplace: Aaron Snyder

Best Elf Costume: Kiara Hernandez

For additional pictures and videos, visit Groveland’s Parade