The annual Christmas Parade, with the Luau On The Ave theme, did not disappoint. The weather was a perfect November-like cold, one that made you yearn for some hot chocolate or something to warm you up afterward—a perfect night for welcoming in the holiday season.
With approximately 125 participants, our crowds were entertained by marching bands, walkers, floats, cars, fire trucks, and the true guests of honor—Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lasting about 1-3/4 hours the parade started at 2nd Street down to East Avenue.
If you missed seeing the parade in person, you can watch it still online. Our thanks go out to Vineland High School and BFA Productions who announced and filmed the events. Both videos are available to watch:
VHS: VLD Schools TV
BFA: BFA
Although it was a very competitive battle, we are pleased to announce our float winners for 2023:
GRAND DIVISION:
First Place: R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce
Second Place: Dolores Romero Foundation
Third Place: Dixon’s Dance Academy
PETITE DIVISION:
First Place: David Scales Sales Team & Cumberland County Habitat 4 Humanity
Second Place: Sgt. Roary’s Mele Kalkimaka Luau
Third Place: Ambient Comfort
A parade of this size and magnitude takes a tremendous amount of work and effort. I want to thank our parade chairman, Carl Hemple, and all of our staff and volunteers who pour in hours of work for many months to make this go as smoothly as possible. And a very heartfelt thank you to all of the great City Department personnel, led by Mayor Fanucci—OEM, Fire & Police Departments, EMS, Public Works, Engineering, Electric Utility, Health Department, Trash and Recycling.
A huge thank you to the VDID staff and to our many volunteers who work through the cold weather for many many hours to ensure that all goes smoothly. We had over 40 volunteers assist us—from parade captains to announcers and many others. We could not have done it without you.
Be sure to join us this weekend, Friday – December 1st, and December 2nd for our Olde Fashioned Christmas On The Ave event.
