Preparations underway for Orlando Citrus Parade

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - After several days, hundreds of volunteers, and tens of thousands pieces of fruit, the floats are finally ready for the Orlando Citrus Parade.

Oranges and grapefruits and bears, oh my!  These fruity floats are making their way downtown for Saturday’s Citrus Bowl Parade.

“It’s super exciting it's really fun. A lot of families, this is their tradition so they come out here every year and help out with the floats,” said float building organizer Ashlyn Iervasi.

For days, volunteers have been working on these fun citrus creations.

“About 500 people come through during that three-day span to attach oranges, tangerines and grapefruits with rubber bands.”

Until the parade steps off, security will closely guard the floats to ensure no one picks the fruit. Then they’ll journey down Orange and Rosalind Avenues to entertain those who made the journey to Orlando for this weekend’s Bowl games. 

Each of the 100,000 pieces of fruit is locally grown. After the parade, “we bring them right back here, and we de-fruit them and then we box them up and donate them to local foodbanks,” asid Iervasi.

If you want to get your own up close and personal look at the floats, you can do that at the parade Saturday. The Citrus Bowl Parade starts at 9:30 downtown.