Coral Gables Celebrates 68th Annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade on Nov. 27
Courtesy of the Junior Orange Bowl
For 68 years, the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, has been the signature event for the Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival. And, this year’s parade will be better than ever.
The 68th annual parade marches through the streets of downtown Coral Gables, along Miracle Mile and Biltmore Way, on Sunday, November 27 from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Parade Benefits the Junior Orange Bowl
The Junior Orange Bowl is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that strives to empower youth through teamwork and competition. The group attracts more than 7,500 youth from Miami, the state of Florida and beyond, including more than 75 countries worldwide.
Youth compete in athletic, academic, and cultural competitions, which collectively make up the Junior Orange Bowl Festival, often referred to as the largest international youth sports and arts festival in the world. The competitions allow young people to showcase their skills, talents, and strengths.
The festival is supported by many South Florida organizations, including the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children’s Health System, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
Youth Competitions
The organization hosts competitive events throughout the year to foster youth engagement in sports, STEM, the arts, and more.
Along with the parade, multiple Junior Orange Bowl competitive events are scheduled in November and December 2016. These include a robotics competition on November 5, the Junior Sports Ability Games on December 1-3, the International Tennis Championship on December 11-20, and the International Golf Championship and Basketball Classic, both December 27-30.
Additional events are scheduled from January to April 2017, including a writing competition, bowling tournament, and more.
A Family Event on the Mile
This year’s theme for the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is a Gables Holiday on the Mile. As always, the 68th annual Junior Orange Bowl is a celebration of youth, community, and culture. Along with themed floats, the parade features local school marching bands, the beloved mascot Jobie, colorful floats, community groups, a creative parade, and much more.
It is the perfect, not-to-miss holiday event for local families. In previous years, the parade has attracted more than 35,000 families, friends, and neighbors. It’s a true Coral Gables holiday celebration.
For more information about the Junior Orange Bowl programs, visit jrorangebowl.org.
