Orlando Citrus Parade Drawing Contest Winners Announced

Ten-year-old Emily Martinez from Bear Lake Elementary in Altamonte Springs was awarded the top prize in the Orlando Citrus Parade Drawing Contest and will ride in the Dec. 30 parade as Honorary Grand Marshal. Her drawing will also be used on the cover of the parade’s program.

Shenandoah Elementary school student Sydney Chamberlain, 9 years old, received second place and Jacqueline Kao, 8 years old, from Metrowest Elementary was third runner-up.

Children were asked to draw their best portrayal of the parade incorporating aspects of citrus, football, and Florida Citrus Sports. The 25 finalists were judged by local representatives from Florida Citrus Sports, the Orlando Citrus Parade Committee, and the Orange County Library.

The 30th Anniversary Orlando Citrus Parade will take place in Downtown Orlando on Thursday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. The parade is a time-honored Central Florida tradition known for its signature floats made entirely of Florida citrus; tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit. In addition to multiple high school marching bands, the Orlando Citrus Parade will include university marching bands from teams participating in the Capital One Bowl, high-stepping equestrian units, dance teams, and celebrity appearances. The co-hosts of this year’s nationally-syndicated parade broadcast are Giuliana and Bill Rancic from the Style Network hit show Giuliana and Bill. Giuliana is also the co-anchor of E! News and Bill is the first season winner of The Apprentice.