What to Know If You Go: 2012 Safety Harbor Holiday Parade

The 2012 Safety Harbor Holiday Parade on Saturday promises to be a special event.

From the floats to the hundreds of participants to the appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the annual event is always a fun, colorful affair.

This year there is an extra special twist to the parade: the city will be celebrating 95 years of Safety Harbor history.

"There will be over 80 participants in the parade, tossing beads and traveling the length of Main Street," Community Center employee Matt Sendejo said.

"We encourage people to come out, have fun, and support the local business in downtown Safety Harbor."

With so many people - and vehicles - being packed into a relatively small space in a short period of time, parking and finding a place to watch the parade can be tricky.

Sendejo said beginning Friday night, all cars will be cleared from Main Street, and on Saturday the thoroughfare will be closed from 9th Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard.

Also on Saturday, Bayshore Boulevard will be blocked off from the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa down to 7th Street to allow for the floats to enter the parade route.

Sendejo advised parade goers to find parking on any available side streets and lots, and come early if you hope to get a good viewing spot.

"If you want to get a good spot, bring your chairs and your refreshments, come early, and get ready to have a good time."

What To Know If You Go:

• What: 2012 Safety Harbor Holiday Parade
• When: Saturday, December 15 starting at 1 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Main Street, from Bayshore Boulevard to 9th Avenue
• Info: The parade will feature at least 80 participants, including local businesses, organizations and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The Grand Marshals are Gisela Bennie and Joe Caisse. The event should last about an hour to an hour and a half. There will be no food or drink vendors on site. 
• Parking: Any public lots, including the ones on 8th Avenue South and behind the Harbour Pointe Plaza, as well as on surrounding side streets.
• Cost: Free
• Contact: 727-724-1530