Shaquille O’Neal named grand marshal of the A Very GNV Holiday Parade

Published on October 02, 2024

– Retired basketball star, media personality and businessman Shaquille O’Neal has been named the grand marshal of the City of Gainesville’s 2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade.

O’Neal is one of the most famous basketball players in the world, racking up four National Basketball Association (NBA) championships, an Olympic gold medal, and a 2016 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. That same year, O’Neal surprised a group of neighborhood children in our community by playing street basketball alongside Gainesville Police Department Officer Bobby White.

The former Louisiana State University (LSU) Tiger first earned fame in Gainesville playing against the Florida Gators during the 1989-1992 seasons. He now has a daughter who attends the University of Florida and is a member of the women’s basketball team.

"It’s always good to be in Gainesville,” said Shaq. “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.”

The parade is a new tradition for Gainesville, introduced last year and championed by Gainesville Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Moore Chestnut. Billed as a “celebration by the community, for the community,” the event is largely funded by local sponsors. Participation is free, and registration for participants in the procession remains open through Oct. 25. With last year’s inaugural parade drawing an estimated 5,000 spectators and participants, hopes are high for another well-attended holiday kick-off.

“We were overwhelmed by the community response last year,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Chestnut. “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, and with Shaquille O’Neal I believe we have succeeded.”

A Very GNV Holiday Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7. The procession will start at noon, moving from W. University Avenue and Sixth Street and traveling approximately one mile, to end at the Alachua County Public Schools Administration Building at 620 E. University Ave.

This is the first of several city events that together will usher in the holiday season on Dec. 7, including afternoon activities at Bo Diddley Plaza, followed by the annual Holiday Lights Celebration in the Thomas Center Gardens.

The parade registration form, parade rules and additional details are available online or may be picked up at City Hall (200 E. University Ave.) or the Historic Thomas Center (302 NE Sixth St.). For more information, visit the 2024 holiday parade webpage.