“Christmas on Green Street,” Gainesville’s annual holiday celebration, took place on Dec. 3. Thousands crowded the sidewalks from the Civic Center all the way down Green Street to take in the sights of floats, antique cars and marching bands as they paraded through.
The parade began at 5 p.m. Beforehand, at 2 p.m., food trucks and various businesses lined the street to attract perspective customers and provide entertainment.
One of these advertisers was Al Gomez, co-owner of the Gomez Boxing Club. The only boxing club available in Gainesville, Gomez is proud to teach both children and adults about the sport.
In addition to businesses advertising on the street, several opened their doors to allow visitors to tour the historic buildings. One of these houses, however, was home to a different kind of organization.
The Smith-Palmour-Estes house, according to caretaker Jill Allen, provides a transitional home for autistic young adults aged 18-26.
“We help them with getting jobs, making connections and getting social skills.” -Jill Allen, caretaker at the Smith-Palmour-Estes house
The parade continued well after dark, ending with the lighting of the rotary tree on the intersection of Green Street and W. Academy Street at 6:30 p.m.
