Press release from City of Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – More than 110 dance troupes, marching bands, floats, and community groups will make their way down University Avenue in the 2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade. Media personality and 4-time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal will appear as its grand marshal.
The parade is the first of several City events downtown this Saturday to usher in the holiday season. All events are free and open to the public.
2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade
When: Noon-2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7
Start: intersection of W. University Ave. and W. 6th St.
End: 620 E. University Ave. (ACPS Admin Bldg.)
Holiday Kids’ Dance Party
When: 1-3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7
Where: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave.
Holiday Lights Celebration
When: 5-8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7
Where: The Historic Thomas Center, 302 N.E. 6th Ave.
Traffic impacts
- N.W. 6th Street between W. University Ave. and N.W. 8th Ave. will serve as the staging area for parade entries and will close at 7 a.m. Saturday until the final entry enters the parade route.
- University Avenue from W. 7th Street to E. 7th Street will close at 11 a.m. Saturday and reopen gradually as the final entry travels the parade route.
- Buses along certain Regional Transit System (RTS) routes will experience delays Saturday. Visit the city’s RTS website for details.