You’re all invited to our 45th Annual Christmas Parade
December 4, 2023
It’s just about that time … on Saturday, Dec. 9, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will be putting on its 45th Annual Christmas Parade. Come be a part of the magical excitement. The parade kicks off at noon from the Charlotte Performing Arts Center and will disband at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center’s parking lot. Come out early to secure your front row view along the parade route.
Traditionally, there are between two to three thousand spectators. This year, there will be 90-plus entries ranging from cars, floats, golf carts, boats, slingshots, marching bands, performing units, and let’s not forget our special guest all the way from the North Pole. This is one of the top community events. It brings so much joy and holiday spirit to all those who participate and to those who line the sidewalks with their family, friends, and loved ones.
I hope to see you there … Ho, Ho, Ho.
December Chamber Activities
Holiday Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 at The Daily Sun, 23170 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Catered appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a gift to promote your business. Don’t forget your business cards. Registration is required to make proper arrangements. To RSVP visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Network at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Unwined Wine & Beer Bar, 320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda. We will be doing a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Bring one wrapped gift ($20 or less value). This will be a lot of fun. Registration/meal selection required. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee Sponsor: The Daily Sun. Program: All the award winners will be announced from our 45th Annual Christmas Parade. Registration is required to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Ribbon-Cutting
Gladrich Florist Shoppe (grand reopening): 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 4678 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Snack, refreshments, and raffles will be provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org
Blind Spot: 5–6 p.m. (ribbon-cutting @ 5:30 p.m.) Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1801 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte. Appetizer, refreshments and raffles will be provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Special Announcement
Toys for Tots: Once again, our Chamber office is a drop-off location site for new unwrapped toys for the youth in our community who are in need. Please feel free to come by our office to drop off the much-needed toys. Toys will be collected through Thursday, Dec. 14. There is no better way to put a smile on a child’s face during Christmas time than receiving a brand-new toy. Our chamber office is located at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte.
Special events
The 45th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9. This year’s theme is “Tropical Christmas.” We welcome the entire community to come on out and bring the kids, grandkids, and the entire family to enjoy one of the best community events of the year.
The parade kicks off at noon at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center and then goes south on Taylor Street to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We will have a special visitor all the way from the North Pole. Thousands of folks line the sidewalk of the parade route.
Make sure come out early to get a great view of the parade. Whether you are a member of our chamber or not, you are able to participate in our parade. Visit charlottecountychamber.org to complete your registration form. Entry fee is $50 for for-profit entries, $35 for nonprofit.
Our 13th annual Business Expo (Hottest Business Day in Paradise): 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Free and open to the public. Imagine marketing your business in an 8-by-10-foot booth and having 1,000-plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of five hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be over 90 other exhibitors for business-to-business to develop client/customer relationships. Deadline to reserve you booth is Tuesday, Jan. 23. There will be no late entries accepted. To reserve your booth, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.