Rosedale rings in the holidays with weekend of festive events

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:23 AM

By Joshua Nally

Activities planned for all ages include: a craft bazaar, tree lighting ceremony, and the famous Rosedale Christmas Parade.

The town of Rosedale is set to host a weekend of community-focused holiday events starting this Friday, December 6th, with activities planned for all ages including a craft bazaar, tree lighting ceremony, and the famous Rosedale Christmas Parade.

The weekend will begin Friday evening with the town’s first-ever tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM. The event, designed to bring residents together, will feature s’mores by the fire and complimentary hot chocolate for attendees.

On Saturday, the day will begin with a blood drive at the Rosedale Fire Department. The drive is being held in honor of two local farmers who recently benefited from blood transfusions following a farming accident and an illness.

Starting at 10:00 AM, the craft bazaar will open, showcasing handmade items from local vendors. Families can also take advantage of free children’s activities from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Florida Township Civic Center.

The highlight of the weekend, the annual Christmas parade, steps off at 7:00 PM. With an average of 80 floats in previous years, the parade promises to light up the streets of Rosedale, offering plenty of festive cheer for onlookers—many of whom can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their homes. This event has been a favorite of the town's residents for many years. Sarah Cottrell, the event organizer, said “We are a small town, but we sure know to put on a Christmas Parade!”

After the parade, Santa Claus will greet children at the Florida Township Civic Center, handing out treats to each child and marking the end of the day’s celebrations. New light displays have been added to the Civic Center this year to enhance the festive atmosphere.

This weekend’s event is a testament to Rosedale’s commitment to fostering community spirit and holiday cheer. Residents and visitors alike are invited to take part in the festivities.