Even down here in sunny Florida, the air is a little less humid, signaling the approach of the holiday season. Around the country, leaves are changing, the air is brisk, and holiday decorations and sentiments are beginning to adorn streets and meeting places. But don’t winterize your golf cars yet, because the holiday season also means golf car parades!
Beginning as far back as the 1960’s golf car parades have drawn both participants and spectators from around the world. The World Famous Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade was started by a few residents who thought that it would be fun. The parade now attracts 30,000 spectators who anxiously line the streets of El Paseo. Current day golf cart parades occur year-round to celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, and even Christmas in July. But, the most notorious golf cart parades occur between October and December to celebrate the holiday festivities. We have put together a list of our favorites.
Don’t Miss Golf Car Parades
World Famous Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, Palm Desert, CA
One of the originators of the golf cart parade, this year’s 52nd annual parade occurs over the Halloween weekend and is centered around the theme “Golf Carts, Ghosts & Glitter.” The parade will include a Kid Zone, food and local product vendors, and great prizes for golf cart winners.
Captiva Holiday Village Golf Cart Parade, Captiva Island, FL
Typically sponsored by South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island opens the roads of their tiny resort island for the annual holiday golf car parade in late December. Golf carts tour a path that extends the entire island while residents and visitors line the streets to cheer and marvel over the decorated golf cars. Generous prize packages are presented in several categories including “Best in Class” and “Best Commercial.”
Disney’s Halloween Golf Cart Parade, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Attracting over 150 participants each year, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is home to one of the largest and most famous golf car parades. Golf cars driven by hitchhiking ghosts and disguised as floating cabins amaze spectators and deliver a memorable Halloween experience in true Disney style.
The Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade, The Villages, FL
A fun filled annual event with twirlers and drummers, vendors, and, of course, golf cars, The Villages holiday parade consistently grows each year. The most popular parade in the Villages, it is held at Polo Fields and is enjoyed by the whole community.
Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade, Port Royal, SC
The Old Village Streets fill up with locals to enjoy the spectacular lights and decorations adorning the golf cars. With no entry fee, there is no excuse for not participating in the parade, which awards prizes in numerous categories, including Creativity, Seasonal, and Crowd Participation. This parade will deliver the small town holiday feel good to anyone lucky enough to visit Port Royal.
If you are interested in entering a golf car holiday parade this year with either your personal golf car or commercial golf car, here are a few quick tips to guarantee success:
- Decide on the parade and read the decorating rules. Each parade has different categories and float rules. For example, some golf car parades allow hitched trailers and some do not. Find out the details in advance.
- Decide on a decorating theme. Look over the categories that are being judged and decide which theme most excites you. Be mindful about what the children will enjoy. Oftentimes the judges consider crowd participation.
- Be creative. Include features such as flashing lights, costumes, fog machines, confetti canons, crowd giveaways, or bubble machines. Rely on golf car products such as holiday valances or temporary vinyl wraps to set the stage for the holiday golf car cheer.
- Have fun. Although everyone likes to win, keep in mind that holiday parades are meant to celebrate the season. Enjoy the day with your community and proudly represent golf car lovers everywhere!
Julie Wilson, Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf cart parts, when she founded her business in 2008. Julie’s eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com remains a popular online shopping experience for innovative golf car parts and accessories
