As I wrote about in the most recent issue of my premium monthly newsletter, the rumors that started several weeks back have proven to be true (which is pretty rare in The Villages)…all parades with the exception of the Christmas parade have been cancelled going forward.
This means that the Italian, German, and St. Patrick’s Day parades are getting the ax 🙁
As you can see by this poll (mind you, it's a very small sample size) sentiment is split pretty evenly between “Keep the parades – Love them” and “Would not miss them or do not care one way or another”.
In the aforementioned article in The Villages Monthly, I reported that most people I had heard from were from the “not concerned about the parades going away” group, which struck a nerve with at least one reader who wrote:
Retract your unsubstantiated comment about most people not interested in parades or I will start a business to compete with yours and put your lying ass out of business.
Greg L.
Parade lover in the Villages
Now I love a good parade just as much as the next guy or gal. I was simply reporting what I was hearing from people.
I did go on to write that I personally felt the thousands of people involved in the clubs that regularly organize and participate in the parades would strongly disagree. And if the “Greg's” of the world are any indication, one word to describe these folks would be “passionate”.
But no matter which side of the fence you’re on, I think this begs the question of “what’s next to go”?
The parades have long been touted in both print and digital sales materials as “part of life” for those living in The Villages. And while nobody ever bought a home in any community simply because there were parades, they were a part of the “formula” that gives The Villages its “Friendliest Hometown” appeal.
As one of my readers remarked:
My husband and I are planning to move to the Villages as soon as we sell our home in New Hampshire. After reading your article we are wondering what is going on. This is why we want to move to the Villages is for the life style. Wouldn't the amenities fees cover these activities? We where there in October and so enjoyed the German parade. Will they be taking other things away after Brownwood is built out?
The amenities fees fund things like the free golf on the executive courses, the many recreation centers and exercise pools located throughout The Villages, the recreation department responsible for organizing the more than 1,000 activities every week, the upkeep of the private fishing lakes, parks, and fitness trails, as well as the 24 hour neighborhood watch service.
What many prospective residents do not realize is that the amenities fees do not cover things like parades or even the nightly entertainment in the town squares.
The latest issue of the POA Bulletin notes, parades are not the first developer funded activity to be eliminated or reduced in recent years.
Many things such as nightly entertainment are not profitable, and are written off by the developer as an advertising/marketing expense.
There’s no guarantee that they will continue in present form after build out is complete.
Now, would it make sense for owners of businesses located within the town squares to “band” together (pun intended) and find a way to keep things like the free nightly entertainment going?
I think they should and probably will consider doing that when the time comes, but who knows how that will work out or to what extent.
As for the parades, the same thing will likely need to be done. The various groups that organize and participate in the parades will need to figure out how to raise corporate and/or private funds whether through donations or other avenues in order to keep the parades going.
And I think it can happen. We've seen Villagers come together on things like this time and time before. If enough residents want something bad enough, they seem to be able to find a way. Only time will tell if that holds true for the parades.
Over to you. I'm always interested in reading your thoughts, as long as you promise not to try and put me out of business 🙂
What do you think about the parades? “Love 'em” or “leave 'em”? Do you think residents will be able to get them going again in the future, despite a lack of financial support from the developer?
Let me know in the comments below.
Fran says
I trust that “The Villages” has or is looking into suing the IRS over this decision. Owners investments are at stake in terms of “HOME” values –
Fran
Joe Marhefka says
O’Well, watching a parade on TV is also enjoyable. Just think, we don’t have to worry about trafic or weather conditions after it.
TV fan says
If you don’t like what’s going on, leave and remain the fools that you are. Watch parades on television if they mean so much to you.
Maddy says
The parades are nice and fun, but there is so much The Villages has to offer, keep an open mind…life goes on…
Sally says
I am a new resident (October 2012) and am surprised at the diversity. Why is there such a lack of knowledge and clarity on who sponsors parades and entertainment. We believed that these were part of The Villages fees.
I realize that fiscal responsibility is needed but a survey of few is not a representation of many….hopefully good communication will bring forth solutions.
Kate says
I do not live in The Villages, just renting for a couple months, but have heard from someone who does live here tht the nightly free music in the town squares is paid for by the business owners and not the developer. Is there any truth to this?
BERNARD POLLACKOV says
I AM SORRY TO HEAR THE OWNERS OF THE VILLAGES HAVE GONE BACK ON THE PROMISE OF PARADES. I HEAR THAT MUSIC NIGHTLY WILL BE CANCELLED SOON. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE VILLAGE LIFE STYLE PROMISE
Lavelle Wallach says
As a member of a group who performs in these parades, I am very disappointed in this loss of our parades in The Villages. The opportunity to belong to one of these groups and attend these events is not only important to group members but to a huge group of supporters at every event as well. The loyalty of the audience who attend is evidence of how much the parades are appreciated. They stay and watch even when the sky opens up and drenches everyone. It is one of the reasons we all bought into this amazing lifestyle we enjoy. I’m sure there is a way to continue these events through volunteers and donations, etc. Maybe someone with marketing and/or organizational skills will get the ball rolling in the near future. Let’s hope so. Otherwise we are losing a large part of our “Friendliest Hometown” designation. How can we be a friendly hometown without parades? After all, it doesn’t seem to be out of reach for all of the small cities surrounding us in Central Florida. They all have parades for special events.
Wanda Abbott says
As a Villager, who has enjoyed marching in parades over the past 7 years, part has been because of the joy it seems to bring the on-lookers. Perhaps we could still have parades only not downtown, but rather at the polo fields in Spring, Fall, and at Christmas time. Just two extra events which could combine some of the previous parade themes. Just a thought; the group to whom I belong has many venues to perform, so it is not too bad for our group–just a loss for those who have enjoyed watching those of us who like to celebrate certain dates/cultural events/etc. I think a compromise is best; not just removal of a benefit, and being told “take it or leave it”.
Buckeye Debbie says
Evaluate where you moved here from….if your excel software evaluation says that tit for tat that you have the same access via golf gart to the same number of free country club restaurents, golf courses, same amenity fee in a gated community, same number of 3000 senior clubs, same number of free swimming pools….on and on..if your evaluation proves that moving back is a better lifestyle than The Villages…please either quit complaining in the last quarter of your/our life…and make a decision to leave…or maybe make a list of your top 20 reasons for staying short of complaining about bye bye parades!
Buckeye Debbie says
Hello this is the Christmas season…AOK with the parades going bye bye…wow never heard anyone and I mean anyone in my past 12 years as a Villages resident say “I moved to the retirement Villages cause on special holidays they have great parades and I will leave if the parades stop”..bye bye then if this is your highest priority for Villages living…there appears to be retirement people anywhere anytime who THRIVE on the negative…never ever happy anywhere anyplace anytime…my holiday message in 2012 and as a Villages resident of awesome wonderful years with hundreds of new friends…this is the best of the best of the best on the planet of retirement communities of us over 55 ..my Iceland, Scotland and Ontario friends would confirm as well…now I could bore you with how many clubs, shops, executive and championship golf courses, on-site hospital and health care hospice, Doctor’s offices..any health care offices, country clubs, polo field, movie theaters, golf cart paths…on and on…no patience by this 12 year resident by negative lack of parade complainers…still loving ever day, every minute of The Villages lifestyle with hundreds of new friends/ neighbors!
Gail Cunicelli says
Now that the developer is done building I’m sure we are going to lose a lot!He allowed these things to draw people here and now he’s done with us. The parades were a fun thing.I will miss them.
Carol says
Say it isn’t so !!! If TV turns out to be like every other “active adult” community it will certainly see a decrease in population ! The activities are the main reason for most of us moving to this great community ! What will be next ???
Ruh Mahaney says
I have enjoyed the parades but after a few years you get involved in other things and even forget about going to them.
Cyndi Grant says
Many amenities have disappeared in my fifteen years of living here; while the fees have increased. I loved the parades and have signed a petition to that effect. It’s called GREED folks; third generation management has forgotten the founding Grandfather’s dream. Deed restrictions are being ignored, leaving us all unprotected. All the reasons I purchased a home here, are slowly disappearing ; and anyone interested in purchaesing a home here will be informed by many disgruntaled residents ! These dicisions will come back to haunt them.
Kathie says
Very, very, very disappointed!!! First it was the buffalo removed to make room for more development and now the parades. What’s next??
Barbara Hogan says
Definitely rethink the parades ending in 2013! Everyone has so much fun and isn’t it wonderful to have simple pleasures in this world of disasters. I have never seen people out of control at the parades and feel that is a cop out to end them. Might be a good idea to put this to a vote of the residents in our community!
OldNassau says
OK: Here’s a coincidence to consider: “Boy’s leg run over by float at Christmas parade in Deltona
Click OrlandoMonday, 17 December 2012 (13 hours ago) A 10-year-old boy’s leg was run over by a float’s flatbed truck during a Christmas parade in Deltona, according to Volusia County deputies.
Think about lawsuits, insurance,(as mentioned above)emergency vehicle access, police presence, etc.
Michele says
I am blessed with ‘finally’ having a home and living in the Villages since March 2012. It was a long awaiting move from the NE. I am thrilled to be here. The lifestyle here is fantastic. One of the things I and so many other people both living in The Villages and living in nearby towns really look forward to are the parades. There is a huge turn out for these parades. For Example I was in the Christmas parade. There were hundreds of golf carts, floats and groups IN the parade. There were hundreds if not topping 1,000+ spectators. It was a wonderful time! These parades create a forum for networking, meeting new people, socializing AND having a fun time ‘ Lovin’ the Lifestyle’ These events are an influential aspect of what the Villages is all about. I over heard one of the parade coordinators mention “These are so much work”. Well yes they are, but I am positive if they reach out to the people they can get many more volunteers to support these events. It will be a very sad day in The Villages if they end the parades. We all love them so much! We need to be unified in sending the message that we don’t want the fun community events taking away … merely because “it’s a lot of work”. Ask and I / we will help support them.
John Peters says
It comes down to money. Entertainment at the squares has been contracted out by the developer. Events there are not managed/arranged by The Villages, the venue is leased. Hence, the contractor needs to make a profit and the parades are not profitable. They must pay those who block off the streets, line up the parade, and generally manage events. Groups that participate don’t pay to be in the parade. The exception is the Christmas parade at the Polo Field which is run by the Villages Recreation Dept. The parades are fun and a big part of the Villages lifestyle. But yes, it is getting crowded and parking is a problem.
Barb Claussen says
I disagree with the comment made by Richard Kozak about “gratis landscaping”. I believe our monthly amenities fee does, and should, cover landscaping in the common areas. At approximately $140 a month each for approximately 40,000 households, that $5,600,000 each and every month. With that kind of money, Morse isn’t running a charity.
Jeane Scherr says
Here’s another perspective on Parades in The Villages. I have lived here 10 years and loved every minute of it, BUT:
Parades 1) have become too crowded, 2) have too many “partiers” who can’t or won’t control their drinking and 3) are a possible hazard when emergency vehicles can’t get through the mobs to assist people who fall or need medical attention (like the #2’s).
After the first two (or five?) years, most residents come to the realization that this is NOT all a permanent party. This is our home, our community and our personal responsibility as citizens. We enjoy the lifestyle we have come to love and scale back the on the large gatherings when they get too crazy. Parades? No thanks, I’ll pass.
Louis Wodash says
I think it’s a huge mistake. I thought is was what you wanted people to be interested in the Villages for these types of events keep them talking about how wonderful the Villages are. Might as well stop all the activities that people of all backgrounds enjoy including the monthly car show. Those that aren’t interested don’t have to attend any function.
Walt Scott says
My wife and I have always looked forward to the parades and the great times we have watching them with friends and fellow Villagers. We sure hope they aren’t eliminated.
Sincerely,
Walt Scott
Lorrain Cherico says
We have been Village residents for 10 years now. We love it here with all the social activities (including parades). Our thoughts when we made the decision to move here were all the social activities and life style,
The developer has been upping prices all over. The movie tickets use to be $4.00, now it’s $7.00. Polo games now have a fee to attend. Golf cart trail fees have also gone up. The Rennisance Fair has a $12.00 admission fee. Last yearit was free!
Many businesses’ have left our squares due to the high monthly cost they have been charged. NOT a smart thing to do!
As far as the parades, this is one of many activities the developer has taken away. The parades were one of many reasons we moved to the Villages. I believe this is a HUGE mistake. We all know they can surely afford to continue these parades. There are many volunteers and the cost can’t be that much.
We the residents are very disappointed in this decision!
Glenda says
We just closed on our home in TV. We love parades. In fact, my husband has been chairman of the PENSACOLA Christmas parade for the past 17 years. We will be fulltime Village residents in 5 months. We know how to get money and organize a parade. I hope we still get to do that when we move to TV. Parades bring a sense of a caring community to residents and money to business.
Richard Kozak says
Ryan – you are absolutely right. I’m sure the “developer” is operating his business as a for profit enterprise – not a charity. When an expense no longer can be related to revenue it becomes expendable. Entertainment (parades included) and gratis landscaping come first to mind. In all real estate endeavors change is inevitable and there are distinct differences in the various phases of a property’s development – from conception to maturity. That just the reality of business. And TV is a business.
However, the developers have very wisely crafted an enterprise which at maturity will continue to generate somewhat of a large annuity in continuing revenue. Commercial property management, land leases, leasebacks, and various other fees. These are smart people who will not jeopardize this annuity.
It just boils down to who will incur these costs and where a developer can offload to costs to parties that benefit most directly from these expenses.
It’s a pretty simple business concept.