Delray Beach got a serious dash of star power this holiday season as Coco Gauff, the tennis prodigy who turned the U.S. Open on its ear, she led the Delray Beach Holiday Parade as the Grand Marshal; her participation injects an extra thrill into the already vibrant festivities, as reported by CBS12. The 19-year-old's Grand Marshal status follows her victorious run at the U.S. She opened earlier this year, igniting local pride in her Delray Beach roots.
Last Saturday, Atlantic Avenue was lined with more than 70 impressive floats, the marching bands that go with dance teams and Santa Claus himself, who hitched a ride courtesy of the Delray Beach Fire Department, thanks to WPTV's coverage of the anticipated event. Spectators followed the parade from the Intracoastal Waterway to NW 5th Ave., an essential holiday tradition revived for everyone's delight. The parade's return, spiced up by Gauff's prominence, has been met with excitement from both town officials and locals eager to see some hometown glory in the annual procession.
Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia couldn't be more "thrilled to have Coco Gauff, a true Delray Beach success story, lead the Delray Beach Holiday Parade this year," a sentiment she expressed with bona fide hometown pride. "Coco has captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide with her remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship, and we here at home could not be happier or prouder," Petrolia extolled in a statement obtained by CBS12.
A competitive lineup of awards includes the Grand Float, Best Non-Profit, Best Dance/Cheer Group, Best Business/Commercial, and Best Marching Band.
