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Annual Apopka Christmas Parade draws thousands

Sarah Merly

December 13, 2025 | 5:00 pm
Children perform on the 3D Motion Dance Center float during Saturday's Apopka Christmas Parade.
Children perform on the 3D Motion Dance Center float during Saturday's Apopka Christmas Parade.

Dana O'Connor

Key Points

  • The 49th Annual Apopka Christmas Parade drew thousands with over 100 participants from the community on Saturday morning.
  • The Foliage Sertoma Club, a 51-year-old volunteer group, organizes the parade to spread holiday cheer.
  • Six parade awards were given, including Mayor’s Best Band to Ocoee High School and Most Unique Performance to Apopka Baseball Booster Club.
Pat McGuffin introduces parade entries as judges observe the proceedings.
Dana O'Connor Pat McGuffin introduces parade entries as judges observe the proceedings.
The color guard holds the flags of the United States, Florida and Apopka at the start of the parade.
Dana O'Connor The color guard holds the flags of the United States, Florida and Apopka at the start of the parade.
Grand Marshal Tom Dorman rides in a blue Chrysler Plymouth.
Dana O'Connor Grand Marshal Tom Dorman rides in a blue Chrysler Plymouth.
Mayor Bryan Nelson (center) waves with his wife Debbie (left) in a 1941 refurbished Dodge. Johnny Land (right), son of longtime Mayor John Land, recently finished another refurbishment on the vehicle, which he said last ran in the parade around 2000. It's been in the Land family since 1946.
Dana O'Connor Mayor Bryan Nelson (center) waves with his wife Debbie (left) in a 1941 refurbished Dodge. Johnny Land (right), son of longtime Mayor John Land, recently finished another refurbishment on the vehicle, which he said last ran in the parade around 2000. It’s been in the Land family since 1946.
The Apopka Baseball Booster Club dances to Mariah Carey, winning the Parade Judges' Most Unique Performance award.
Dana O'Connor The Apopka Baseball Booster Club dances to Mariah Carey, winning the Parade Judges’ Most Unique Performance award.
Representatives of the Apopka Dance Center march amidst a flurry of bubbles. The Apopka Dance Center won the Sertoma President's Marching & Performing award.
Dana O'Connor Representatives of the Apopka Dance Center march amidst a flurry of bubbles. The Apopka Dance Center won the Sertoma President’s Marching & Performing award.
Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry shares a smile at the Apopka Christmas Parade.
Dana O'Connor Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry shares a smile at the Apopka Christmas Parade.
The Green Machine Marching Band from Evans High School performs in the parade.
Dana O'Connor The Green Machine Marching Band from Evans High School performs in the parade.
The Dancing Lady Cats perform at the parade.
Dana O'Connor The Dancing Lady Cats perform at the parade.
The Blue Darter Marching Band marches in style at the Christmas parade.
Dana O'Connor The Blue Darter Marching Band marches in style at the Christmas parade.
Ladies from the Apopka High School Spanish National Honor Society dance in the parade.
Dana O'Connor Ladies from the Apopka High School Spanish National Honor Society dance in the parade.

The 49th Annual Apopka Christmas Parade, “Miracle on Park Avenue,” drew thousands from the Apopka community and beyond last Saturday morning. Over 100 individuals and organizations marched, rode or danced along the street.

“Apopka Baseball was proud to be part of the Apopka Christmas Parade,” the Apopka Baseball Booster Club said in a Facebook post. “A great time filled with fun, community, and holiday spirit!” 

The Foliage Sertoma Club organizes the parade each year. The 51-year-old club meets at the Back Room Steakhouse in Apopka and is affiliated with Sertoma, Inc., a nationwide volunteer service organization. 

“Each holiday season, the Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka devotes itself to spreading cheer and bringing much-needed support to its Florida community,” the national Sertoma organization said on its website. “Through its annual initiatives and events, the club brings joy to local families in need, ensuring that no one is left behind during this festive time of year.” 

Former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, an Apopka resident, served as grand marshal of the parade, which was attended by numerous elected officials.  

Six awards for parade participants were presented at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, including Mayor’s Best Band and Sertoma’s Most Creative. The winners are listed below. 

Mayor’s Best Band: Ocoee High School Marching Band 
Sertoma’s Special Recognition: Wekiva High School AF JROTC 
Sertoma President’s Marching & Performing: Apopka Dance Center 
Grand Marshal’s Best Float: Apopka Elementary School National Honor Society and Safety Patrols 
Sertoma’s Most Creative: Foliage Garden Club of Apopka 
Parade Judges’ Most Unique Performance: Apopka Baseball Booster Club 

Author

  • Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Sarah loves watching rom-coms, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.

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