Extremely anticipated Rose Parade brings crowds and neighborhood spirit to Thomasville

THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WCTV) – The 2026 Rose Show Parade happened in Thomasville on Friday night time, bringing individuals collectively from throughout South Georgia and Florida for a weekend filled with celebration.

“Thomasville is an awesome place to be,” parade attendee Sylvia Watson stated.

From colourful floats to dwell music, the annual parade stuffed the streets with power. Thousands of individuals packed the stands and lined the roads in downtown Thomasville to take all of it in.

“It’s nice, the parade is always nice. Downtown Thomasville is amazing to me. I really enjoy it every time I come here, so it’s fun to come see the roses and orchids,” attendee David Jones stated.

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For some, like Annette Wilson, it was their first time experiencing the custom.

“This is really kind of fun for us, small town, and we’re just having fun getting used to everything and learning what Thomasville is all about,” Wilson stated.

For others, like Jimmy Slater, it’s a practice many years within the making.

“It’s just a tradition in our city, and I marched in it when I was in high school 50 years ago, so it’s just a grand place to be,” Slater stated.

No matter what number of instances they’ve attended, many say they hold coming again for the sense of neighborhood.

“It’s just like pride, and the bands and the football teams, all the sports teams, it’s just like a big family, you know,” stated Layla Smith and Julia Billingsley.

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The competition affords one thing for everybody to get pleasure from, whether or not it’s the parade, the environment, or just taking all of it in.

“It was relaxing under the shade tree and just watching and looking and not buying anything, just enjoying the scenery,” Watson stated.

And, in fact, the roses stay a spotlight.

“My favorite part? The roses. The roses they are so pretty,” stated Amy Wood.

If you missed Friday’s parade, there’s nonetheless loads to look ahead to. Events will proceed all through the weekend in Thomasville. Officials additionally remind attendees that some street closures will stay in place throughout the competition.

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