Hundreds Participate In Washington Shores Christmas Parade

Hundreds of residents in the Washington Shores and surrounding communities turned out on Saturday to take part in the Third Annual Washington Shores Community Christmas Parade and Celebration.

Several government officials and agencies participated in the Parade, including Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd, City of Orlando Commissioner Sam Ings (District 6), Property Appraiser Ricky Singh, Eatonville Councilman Alvin Moore, OPD Chief Paul Rooney, Orlando Fire Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

As the Parade made its way from Dr. James Smith Neighborhood Center on Bruton Boulevard to Dr. I. Sylvester Hankins Park on Lake Park Court, its culmination, many tossed candy from their vehicles, much to the delight of kids who lined the route, in this mostly poverty-stricken community.

Chocolate Nutcracker dancers, Mercy Drive Achievers Club, Urban Bikers Coalition, Omega Psi Phi -Orlando Chi Tau Chapter, Buffalo Soldiers, Retired Air Force – Army Marines & Navy, STAR 94.5, Dorie Millan-Memorial Post 331 – American Legion and Bill Frederick’s Park Children’s Farm, were among the organizations and groups that participated in today’s Parade.

“The Parade represents an opportunity to bring hope to the community and really celebrate Christmas,” said Ings who represents District 6, the heart of where the Parade took place. “It also helps to give residents some sense of momentum that, they too can do great things when we all come together.” 

Other high points were sisters Bambi and Cupcake – stilt dancers as well as, a scaled-down FAMU’s Marching Band, who thrilled the crowd at Hankins Park.

A few candidates in upcoming election races also took part, including businessman Derrick Wallace who is running for Orange County Commission, District 6.

Unlike others who traveled the parade route in vehicles, Wallace uniquely chose to pedal his way in a pedicab, providing him with an opportunity to touch and greet residents, including potential voters, as he went along.

Asked what might result from celebrations such as these, at which hundreds of residents turn out, Wallace had this to say:

“It’s a great opportunity to bring residents of the area – in this case District 6 – together, for the fellowship and sense of community, particularly at this holiday season,” he said. “It also allows organizations to show off what they are doing, share their stories and it reinforces the idea that working together much can be accomplished.”

“I am a firm believer of working in teams and my experience as a community builder has shown me, District 6 could only be stronger, if we come together to face the challenges of the area,” Wallace added.

Today’s Parade concluded with lots of entertainment, a toy giveaway and free junk food.