Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Chamber, opened the 2024 Destin Christmas Parade at Destin Harbor by welcoming attendees and noting the City of Destin’s 40th anniversary.

"Hey everybody, welcome to the beautiful Destin Harbor and welcome to the 2024 Destin Christmas Parade," Moody said as the parade began. Co-host Sister Susie Nicholson Hahn added, "I love this. This is my favorite time of the year every year."

The parade showcased a broad cross-section of the community, including first responders, military honor guards, civic and service organizations, local businesses and school groups. Organizers and announcers pointed to longtime local firms and civic groups — Destin Water Users, Gulf Coast Electric, the American Legion Post 296, the Eglin Honor Guard, the Destin High School marching band and Destin Middle School programs — as examples of sustained community involvement.

Why it mattered

Parade organizers and emcees framed the event as both a holiday celebration and a community showcase in a milestone year for the city. Announcers repeatedly thanked volunteers and sponsors, highlighted businesses that marked anniversaries, and noted groups that use the parade to support charitable work such as food drives and Toys for Tots.

What happened

The parade route along Destin Harbor included uniformed first responders and multiple branches of the community. The Eglin Honor Guard and local fire and law enforcement units marched near the front; announcers emphasized their public-service role, saying the units "run in when everyone runs out." The grand marshal, Terry Watkins, was introduced and honored for his decades of community and law-enforcement service.

Local businesses and organizations used the parade to mark anniversaries or promote community work. Announcers cited figures for a few participants: Walmart’s float, described by announcers as participating for a 12th year, was accompanied by a summary of recent community giving, noting a 2023 partnership that raised more than $24,000 for Sacred Heart Hospital and an announced year-to-date contribution figure of $138,000 to local food banks and organizations. Gulf Coast Electric and other firms were introduced with anniversary references: Gulf Coast Electric was described as celebrating its 45th year.

Schools, youth groups and nonprofit organizations were highly visible. The Destin High School Soundwave marching band and dance teams performed; Destin Middle School’s Interact Club and school-based Hope Squad were presented for their community-service activities; and youth sports and cheer programs — including the Destin Dolphin cheerleaders and youth football registrars announced to be open in May — also participated.

Religious congregations, service clubs and social groups filled the middle of the route: Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church, Village Church, Faith Coast Academy, the Knights of Columbus Council 11893, Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club and other civic groups were announced by name and described for their local work. Several local restaurants and retail operations — AJ’s, Fudpucker’s, Cassius Liquors, Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant and others — were presented on floats and thanked as chamber members or longtime businesses.

Emcees and ceremony

Throughout the broadcast-style announcing, Moody and Sister Susie described floats, read short histories supplied by participants and thanked chamber staff and volunteers. They noted a ribbon-cutting earlier in the week for the Snowbirds group and introduced the station judges and parade volunteers, including Destin Rotary Club members who assisted with security and crowd control.

The parade concluded with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, an appearance announcers said officially kicked off the holiday season in Destin.

Context and limits of authority

This account summarizes the commentary and introductions made by parade announcers. No formal city legislation, votes or policy actions were discussed or taken during the event.

Ending

Organizers and announcers described the event as a celebration of community continuity and volunteerism in a milestone year for the City of Destin. After Santa’s appearance, hosts closed by thanking participants and wishing the crowd a happy holiday season.