'It's tradition': Optimist Club of the Beaches to hold annual Christmas parade Saturday
PANAMA CITY BEACH − Zachary VanDyke says he believes it's important for locals to gather and celebrate the holiday season together.
As president of the Optimist Club of the Beaches, VanDyke said the nonprofit is gearing up to hold its annual Christmas parade on Saturday. VanDyke, who also is chairman of the parade, noted it has been a staple of the community for about half a century.
"It's tradition," he said. "It brings the community together at Christmas time, and we can put all the controversies and the troubles of the world behind (us) for a couple of hours and just come out and celebrate the holidays as a community.
"That's important here. ... We're doing this at a time when there's not a lot of tourists on the Beach, and it actually helps the community come out and see one another, rather than just a bunch of tourists going in and out of the condos."
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The local organization was founded in 1963 and serves the community's youth. It does this through numerous efforts, including supporting youth activities and funding college scholarships.
VanDyke said last year's Christmas parade had about 35 to 40 participants, some of whom showcased multiple vehicles. There were about 100 vehicles in the 2021 parade, and VanDyke said he expects for there to be more this year.
More than 50 participants already have signed up.
"I think it's going to be bigger than last year," VanDyke said. "I'm going to say this (will be) the biggest (Christmas parade) we've ever had, because this is the biggest response (we've gotten) in the application phase. It may require us to make some changes next year, as far as coordination with the city ... because it's getting to be so big."
According to the Optimist Club of the Beaches website, the parade will begin at 5 p.m. It will start at Surfside Middle School, travel south on Nautilus Street, turn west on Front Beach Road, travel to the entrance of Pier Park, continue north through the park, turn right at the roundabout in front of the Grand Theater and continue down LC Hilton Jr Drive, where it will end.
"It's a good event for families, and the best part is Santa Claus is coming at the end of the parade with the fire department," VanDyke said. "It's truly a community event where everybody comes out, and (participants) want to give (everybody) a show. It's all about the Christmas spirit."
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Optimist Club of the Beaches to host PCB Christmas parade Saturday
