Deadline approaching to join Sarasota Holiday Parade’s 30th year

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - One of Sarasota’s biggest holiday traditions returns to downtown this December, marking 30 years of bringing families and the community together.The annual Sarasota Holiday Parade will return on the first Saturday of December with an “America 250” theme celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.Danny Bilyeu, president and director of Sarasota Holiday Celebration, and Linda Gould, an administrative volunteer for the Sarasota Holiday Parade, joined ABC7 to preview what’s in store.Each year brings a new theme, with participants encouraged to decorate their entries accordingly. This year’s red, white, and blue theme will highlight patriotism, community, and the country’s upcoming milestone.The celebration is meant to include more than Christmas. Past parades have featured floats recognizing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other traditions celebrated during the holiday season.“It’s not really a Christmas parade, it’s a holiday parade,” Gould said.This year also marks a milest