On December 14, over 4,000 gathered for a Candy Wonderland-themed holiday parade hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Plano.
This year’s parade marshalls included Plano ISD Teachers of the Year Mitch Stobee and Meghann Sciples, followed by Holiday Spirit Ambassador Hezly Rivera, a 16-year-old Planoite who recently won gold at the Paris Olympics as the youngest member on Team USA.
The parade was funded by the City of Plano, with support from platinum sponsors Walker Benefit Group and Plano Magazine.
“The Plano Holiday Parade supports Rotary International’s focus on growing local economies and promoting peace. Not only does the parade bring together neighbors from all backgrounds to celebrate the season and better understand each other, but it exposes attendees to many
local businesses and organizations,” the Rotary Clubs of Plano said in a news release. “Perhaps most importantly, part of the proceeds from the parade will be donated in early 2025 to a Plano nonprofit organization that supports one of Rotary’s areas of focus.”
Winners in each category are as follows:
Top Award: Commission Church
Runner-Up: Vines High School Band & Flag Corp
Chairman’s Choice: Toyoteros Club DFW
Runner-Up: Commission Church
Best Decorated Float: Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant
Runner-Up: Cub Scouts Pack 25
Best Use of Theme (Candy Wonderland): Commission Church
Runner-Up: Plano Odd Fellows
Best Walking Unit: Thaalam Performing Arts
Runner-Up: Misterial Hooping
Best Plano ISD Walking Unit: Plano Senior High School (Drill Team & Cheer)
Runner-Up: Plano East Senior High School (Drill Team & Cheer)
Best Plano ISD Marching Unit: Vines High School (ROTC, Band & Flag Corp)
Runner-Up: Plano Senior High School (ROTC, Band & Flag Corp)
