JTAA Holiday Parade
SAVE THE DATE
Thank You!
As the final float turned the corner and the music faded into the December air, it became clear once again why the JTAA Christmas Parade remains one of Jupiter and Tequesta’s most cherished traditions. This year’s parade was nothing short of spectacular, and it would not have been possible without the dedication and support of an entire community working together.
The parade is organized by a volunteer committee. The Town of Jupiter and the Village of Tequesta support us with a great deal of logistical help. Our parade is always a culmination of many people working together for months in advance to make this event happen. This year’s parade included 104 units and 3,150+ participants!
To our marching bands, dance teams, sports teams, civic organizations, and decorated floats — you brought the heart and excitement that make this parade special. Your creativity, energy, and enthusiasm filled our streets with joy and Christmas spirit.
Thank you to Jupiter’s Town Manager Frank J. Kitzerow, Mayor Jim Kuretski and the Town Council. Thank you to the Village of Tequesta’s Mayor Molly Young, Tequesta’s Village Council and our Palm Beach County Commissioner, Maria Marino. Thank you to the Jupiter Police Department for their cooperation in coordinating traffic and crowd control, especially Captain Joseph Counihan (JPD) for his leadership and guidance in the preparation and planning of this parade.
I would also like to acknowledge the following: The Jupiter Tequesta Repeater Group for all of our communication support, thank you to Terri Kuretski for making the beautiful magnet car signs used by our dignitaries. Liberty Signs for donating the sign used at Lighthouse Park, the Town of Jupiter Parks and Recreation Department for letting us use Abacoa Community Park (ACP) as the place to conclude this year’s parade. If I had to list all of the support that I and the parade committee receives from our friends at Parks and Recreation and the Community Relations Department — my expressions of gratitude would never end.
Thank you to “The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute” and Max Planck Florida Institute for giving up their employee parking lot so that we would have a place to stage. Abacoa’s POA for being so supportive of this parade from the first meeting this year, and who has been advertising the parade since June. Thank you to the Abacoa Community for welcoming us with open arms and our Parade Judges, volunteers from the Jr. Woman’s Club.
Santa sends special thanks to Assistant Fire Chief Cory Bessette of the Palm Beach Gardens Fire & Rescue for providing his transportation on their 1940 American LaFrance Fire Engine. Thank you to this year’s grand marshal, King Wekenmann. Speaking for the parade committee, we wish you the best in the coming years. Thank you to “Little Smiles Holiday Toy Drive”, which was a big success. Thank you to everyone who donated so many wonderful toys.
Thanks to Jeff Sabin and his staff from Waste Management for supplying all of those Trash containers in the staging area. To our drivers, including those who provided convertibles for our dignitaries—your participation helped elevate the parade, and your willingness to step up when needed truly reflects the best of our Jupiter community. And what would our parade be without Santa taking time out of his busy schedule to greet our children? Special thanks to our parade sponsor, the JTAA, for setting aside the operating budget necessary for this parade.
The winners of our float competition are:
Compliance with Theme
1st – Girl Scout Troop 20813
2nd – Char-Mar School of Dance
3rd – MARS Robotics Club
Originality
1st – JTAA Jupiter Hammerheads Red 11U
2nd – Cub Scout Pack 778
3rd – Cub Scout Pack 774
Best Overall Decoration
1st – Limestone Creek Elementary School
2nd – Art Stage
3rd – Jerry Thomas Elementary School
And finally, to the families, friends, and residents who lined the route with smiles, cheers, and holiday excitement — you are the reason this parade exists. Your support keeps this tradition alive and growing year after year. The JTAA Annual Christmas Parade is more than an annual event. It is a celebration of community, teamwork, and the joy of the season. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this year’s parade one of our most memorable yet. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this marks my 40th year as the organizer of this spectacular event. However, this parade is truly a team effort, and I certainly do not do it alone.
We are fortunate to have an outstanding Parade Committee consisting of: my wife Susan, who is also my rock; Chuck and Mae Dettman, whom I depend on constantly; John Hearn, our announcer for nearly five decades; Captain Joseph Counihan of the Jupiter Police Department; Adam Megan, Executive Director of the JTAA; Al Moreschi and Bob Feeher of the Jupiter Repeaters Club, who provide all necessary communications along the parade route; Cathy Marshall along with the ladies from the Jupiter Tequesta Junior Women’s Club headed up by Jeanne Takeda who serve as our judges; Derek Harse from the Town of Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation department; Peggy Bell, who manages our Facebook page; and Pete Doherty (aka Santa) no introduction needed. Without the dedication, time, and commitment of this incredible group, this parade simply would not be possible!
MARK YOUR 2026 CALENDARS NOW! Next year’s parade will be Sunday, December 13, 2026. Everyone is welcome to come and ring in the holidays and help us celebrate the JTAA Christmas Parade’s 50th Anniversary. All are encouraged to enter a float or have a marching group in our 2026 Parade. Our parade committee wishes you and yours Healthy and Happy Holidays!
Michael Cesarano, Parade Coordinator
JTAA Annual Christmas Parade
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions
The parade is on Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Parade Staging is in the UF Scripps parking lot located on Scripps Way (120 Scripps Way Jupiter, FL 33458). The parade will step off and go north using the southbound lane of Central Blvd. We will pass Main St and University Blvd; turn onto Frederick Small Rd and conclude at the Skate Park in Abacoa Community Park (ACP). (1501 W. Frederick Small Road Jupiter FL 33458) Our reviewing/judging stand is at the end of the parade route on the north (right) side of Frederick Small Road, just before the entrance to Abacoa Community Park (ACP).
TBD
The Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association (JTAA) is once again sponsoring the 50th annual Christmas Parade, operated by a committee of volunteers. The committee works year round planning and preparing for this even
How do we get to the parade route?
- From Military Trail, Go west on Frederick Small Rd. to Central Blvd South on the traffic circle. Park on either side of Central Blvd South, and on both sides of Frederick Small Rd from the Skate Park in Abacoa Community Park (ACP) to the traffic circle.
- From Donald Ross Rd., Take Central Blvd North. Go west on Frederick Small Rd. to Central Blvd South on the traffic circle. Park on either side of Central Blvd South, and on both sides of Frederick Small Rd from the Skate Park in Abacoa Community Park (ACP) to the traffic circle.
Free parking is permitted in Abacoa’s two Downtown Abacoa garages, and one Abacoa garage located by the Marriott hotel. There is also parking on Main St. or University Blvd. Do be aware not to park in resident parking spaces as a tow at your expense would not be a great way to wrap up the evening!
Handicap parking is available and clearly marked on Main St. and University Blvd.
Is there any additional Parking?
Yes, Use the southbound lane of Central Blvd and west of Promenade Way.
What time does the parade route start shutting down to vehicular traffic?
At 12:45 PM we will start to shut down the parade route to all traffic.
The judging stand is located on the north (right) side of Frederick Small Rd. just before the entrance to Abacoa Community Park (ACP).
Can anyone enter in the parade?
Yes. The parade is open to all people, groups, organizations and businesses in the community. The parade is designed as a community and family event. However, the Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry if it is deemed unsuitable, or in direct competition with the organizing sponsor. As a 501c3, the IRS does not allow us to get involved in anything political either for or against. We have to remain apolitical or else we can lose our charitable designation.
Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association
