Hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown DeLand for the Jaycees 64^th Annual Christmas Parade last Saturday. It was Stetson University’s third year participating in the parade.

Stetson’s float, designed by Joel Jones, director of Creative Services for Stetson University Marketing, reflected an interpretive approach to the Palm Court, using more than 600 balloons, palm trees wrapped in red garland and a fountain in the center. The talented Stetson cheerleaders and loveable mascot, John B, rode or walked alongside the float as it drove through downtown DeLand while playing Christmas music and the Stetson Fight Song.

Jones’ concept was to capture the excitement and diversity of Stetson. The float was originally meant to have lights, but due to the change of time for the parade he made the change to balloons.

“It was an honor to put together the float for the parade,” said Jones.

April Atkinson, assistant director of University Events, coordinated the building of the float including gathering resources and people.

“It was a collaborative effort from many departments and I was pleased to have the marketing staff and work study students help to create such a memorable part of this year’s Christmas Parade,” said Atkinson.  “The feedback from participants and spectators was very positive. They found the float to be one of a kind.”

Did you know that you can vote for your favorite floats in the parade?  Vote for the Stetson University float (Category 4 – Non-Profit Float) at BeaconOnlineNews.com here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/36DPLTL.

Breaking news: Stetson University won first place in the Nonprofit category in the DeLand Christmas Parade!

http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/5559. GO HATTERS!

 

by Sarah Taylor ‘13