Shaquille O’Neal named grand marshal of Gainesville’s Christmas parade

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - City officials announced Shaquille O’Neal, a retired basketball star, has been named grand marshal of Gainesville’s 2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade.

In 2016, Shaq, a four-time NBA champion, made news when he surprised a group of children in Gainesville by playing street basketball alongside GPD officer Bobby White.

“It’s always good to be in Gainesville,” said O’Neal. “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.”

O’Neal has a daughter attending the University of Florida. She plays on the UF Women’s Basketball team.

RELATED: Holiday Parade returns to Gainesville this weekend after decades without

A Very GNV Holiday Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7. The procession will start at noon, moving from W. University Avenue and 6th Street and traveling approximately one mile, to end at the Alachua County Public Schools Administration Building at 620 E. University Avenue.

The annual parade was held for the first time last year after being proposed by Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut.

Registration for the parade remains open through Oct. 25.

“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.”

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