Story
South Walton Holiday Parade and Turn on the Town Nov 29
November 24, 2014 by SoWal Staff
The Merchants of Seaside invite you to “Turn on the Town” on Nov. 28 and 29. Combine the small-town atmosphere of a beach community parade, throw in a dash of Santa Claus, and mix with the official lighting of a remarkable town on Florida's Emerald Coast, and you have the perfect makings to kick off the holiday season in beautiful Seaside.
On Friday, Nov. 28, grab your blankets and head down to the Seaside Amphitheater at 7 p.m for a holiday edition of Central Square Cinemaon the lawn in Central Square, featuring the movie “Elf.”
Holiday events continue on Saturday, Nov. 29, beginning with the weekly Seaside Farmers Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. where a variety of local vendors will feature fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and even some special holiday treats. Stop by behind Raw & Juicy in the Amphitheater!
Then grab your spot along 30A for the Annual South Walton Holiday Parade. This Seaside and SoWal tradition begins at 4 p.m. in front of Seagrove Plaza. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march 1.5 miles down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove decked in their Christmas best on festive holiday floats. The parade ends in Seaside as visitors welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to town.
Parade participants should meet at the Seagrove Plaza at Garrett Realty on Scenic 30A no later than 3:15 p.m. with decorated entries. Registration for parade participants is required; please visit the www.seasidefl.com website calendar or http://www.seasidefl.com/highlights/ and click on the link to print, email or fax a registration form. Forms are due no later than Wednesday, Nov. 26.
The celebration continues with Turn on the Town at the conclusion of the parade as Santa and Mrs. Claus take the stage in the Seaside Amphitheater. Santa, master of ceremonies for the evening, will invite all of the kids to join him in front of the stage for a sing-a-long before magically brightening up the town. Then, the countdown begins in unison to “Turn on the Town” and exactly on cue, the magnificent 24-foot tree lights up. All of downtown Seaside is illuminated with bright, holiday lights! Following the lighting, bring your camera for photos with the jolly man from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Make plans to be in Seaside in December as the merchants bring back the popular Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performing under the stars Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and allow the sounds of the season to remind you of all the magic of the holidays!
Roll in New Year’s Eve at the 5th AnnualCountdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration! On Wednesday,Dec. 31, experience a spectacular, family-friendly party featuring live entertainment from The Dirty Guv’nahs and MamaDear, along with kid’s art projects, street performers and a memorable fireworks finale atmidnight! Festivities begin at 7 p.m.