Melrose tradition of annual Christmas parades
Merry Melrose Christmas Parade
Every second Saturday of December, Melrose hosts the Merry Melrose Christmas Parade with a new theme each year. The time for Melrose’s biggest holiday celebration will soon be upon us, so plan to attend this great family event. It’s free, and it’s fun!
If you or your group has any plan to participate with a “float” in the parade, fill out an application on the Parade webpage and contact Steve Thrift (352 473-7966, to reserve your spot in the parade.
If you want to participate in the festival, be sure to contact Bob Bird at bobbird12@yahoo.com soon to reserve your exhibitor space.
2021 December 11 Merry Melrose Christmas Parade
Get your Parade Float Application by clicking HERE, or pick up a pre-printed application at the Ameris Bank in Melrose.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
2019 Parade Theme: Christmas Past and Present
Awards for each of four categories:
- Best Interpretation of Theme (Past and Present)
- Most Parade Participants
- Most Original Entry
- Best Entry Overall
Winners for 2018 (Theme was “Magical Christmas”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme: Melrose Girl Scouts
- Most Parade Participants: St John Missionary Baptist Church
- Most Original Entry: Dancing Fish
- Best Entry Overall: Latchstringers
Winners for 2017 (Theme was “Noah’s Ark Christmas”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme: Trinity Episcopal Church
- Most Parade Participants: Boy Scouts of America, Pack 109
- Most Original Entry: Melrose Girl Scouts
- Best Entry Overall: Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe
Winners for 2016 (Theme was “Cosmic Christmas”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme (tie): Rooterville Sanctuary, and Melrose Methodist Church
- Most Parade Participants: Boy Scouts of America, Pack 109
- Most Original Entry: Melrose Bay Art Gallery
- Best Entry Overall: Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe
Winners for 2015 (Theme was “A Cartoon Christmas”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme: Santa Fe Audubon Society
- Most Parade Participants: Boy Scouts of America, Pack 109
- Most Original Entry: Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe
- Best Entry Overall: Artisans’ Way & Gallery 26
Winners for 2014 (Theme was “The Magic of Melrose”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme: Greathouse Butterfly Farm
- Most Parade Participants: Boy Scouts of America, Pack 109
- Most Original Entry: Earthworx LLC
- Best Entry Overall: Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe
Winners for 2013 (Theme was “Furry Friends”):
- Best Interpretation of Theme: Greathouse Butterfly Farm
- Most Parade Participants: Boy Scouts of America, Pack 109
- Most Original Entry: JRA Welding
- Best Entry Overall: Eliam Baptist Church
Annual Melrose Arts & Craft Festival
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Held the same day as the Parade. Don’t miss this great festival!
For more information on the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, please contact Bob Bird by email at bobbird12@yahoo.com.
