MEXICO BEACH — The annual parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Mexico Beach will be at 6 p.m. CT Sunday at Sunset Park, next to El Governor Motel.
The festivities will begin with the introduction of this year’s tree lighters, Bubba Harmon and family, lifelong residents of Mexico Beach.
After the lighting of the tree, pastor Jerry Arhelger from First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach will say an invocation then lead the crowd in sing-along Christmas classics.
The fifth annual Mexico Beach Christmas Golf Cart Parade will follow with lineup at 5 p.m. in front of the police station on 14th Street.
Gulf County Sheriff Michael Harrison will serve as grand marshal this year, and Santa will once again be riding in the fire truck at the end of the parade.
As a special memorial to Candy Daniel, each golf cart will be sporting a blue ribbon in recognition of colon cancer awareness. She was very active in Mexico Beach and a big supporter of the golf cart parade. She lost her fight against colon cancer this year; her daughter will be riding in the parade in her memory.
Gulf Coast Alarm will provide a commemorative medal to each golf cart as well as the memorial ribbons. Applications for the parade may be picked up at the Mexico Beach Town Hall, the CDC office and the Mexico Beach Police Department.
With the help of some special elves, golf carts will be adorned with bright Christmas lights, giant presents, dancing reindeer and festive snowmen that will be sure to not melt.
The Mexico Beach Police Department is asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys to deliver to families in need in our area. To donate, bring a donation to the park.
There will be an assortment of homemade desserts, coffee and hot chocolate available while waiting on Santa to arrive. For more information, call the Mexico Beach Welcome Center at 648-8196 or visit www.mexicobeach.com.
For more information, contact Traci Gaddis at 227-6770 or ggaddis@gtcom.net.