Christmas is still a bit away – we know, not THAT far away – but there’s big news for the southern town that’s home to the Florida Gators… Our man Shaq has been named “grand marshal” of the annual Christmas parade in Gainesville!
Now, that’s huge and exciting news for those of us here in the offices of the ShaqFu Radio blog. Our offices (humble as they may be) are right there in Gainesville. We’re SO looking forward to seeing the big man doing his Shaq-a-Claus thing in our hometown!
Gainesville city officials made the announcement just this week, saying the former NBA superstar and business entrepreneur has agreed to be the GM of Gainesville’s 2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade.
Shaq has been spotted in Gainesville before. A few years ago, he participated in a youth programs basketball game with some kids in a street game with a local police officer. We all know that programs and activities for young people are something the big man takes very seriously and helps out with whenever he can. His huge fundraiser – simply called “The Event” – happens every year in Las Vegas, and raises money for support programs for kids and families in several cities.
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In a press release, O’Neal talked about visiting the city in the past. “It’s always good to be in Gainesville. The street game with those kids really stuck with me. It’s all about building friendships and bringing people together. I’m happy to come back, see old friends, and help the City of Gainesville bring holiday cheer with a community parade.”
This time around, Shaq has another good reason for visiting Gainesville. His daughter Me’Arah O’Neal, will be playing for the ladies Gator basketball team this coming season. After Shaq and daughter made several college visits earlier this year – including O’Neal’s alma mater LSU – Me;Arah decided to commit to the Gators
In Gainesville, this will be only the second year for a big holiday parade, at least in recent years. The city had gone for over three decades without a popular holiday party, and after starting up last year, it seems the annual Holiday Parade is going to be a regular happening for local residents.
If you’re in the area, a Very GNV Holiday Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7. The procession will start at noon, moving from W. University Avenue and 6th Street and traveling approximately one mile, to end at the Alachua County Public Schools Administration Building at 620 E. University Avenue.
If you’re in a local community group, you can absolutely get involved. Registration for the parade is open through October 25th. The return of the annual parade is the brainchild of local City Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut.
Needless to say, local city officials are pretty stoked to have O’Neal on hand for the parade. Gainesville Mayor (pro tem) Tom Chestnut said, “We were overwhelmed by the community response last year. It exceeded all expectations. One of our biggest challenges for year two was finding a grand marshal to bring as much fun and excitement as Steve Spurrier (Grand Marshal last year), and with Shaquille O’Neal I believe we have succeeded.”
So… we’ll definitely be out along the parade route! Looking forward to seeing the big guy in action, whatever that means for a grand marshal! We’re sure he’ll do a great job..