GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – From team leader to parade leader, this guy stands above them all.

The City of Gainesville shared that Shaquille O’Neal has been named the grand marshal for the City of Gainesville’s 2024 A Very GNV Holiday Parade. Known not only for his incredible achievements on the basketball court—including four NBA championships and an Olympic gold medal—the city says that O’Neal’s personality and community focus make him the perfect fit for this festive role.

“We were overwhelmed by the community response last year,” says Mayor Cynthia Moore Chestnut, who was acting mayor last year when she introduced the new tradition. “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.”

O’Neal became well-known in Gainesville while playing college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1989 to 1992, where he faced the Florida Gators. His bond with the community grew stronger when he unexpectedly joined local kids and officers for a game of street basketball last year.

“It’s always good to be in Gainesville,” he shares. “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.”

A Very GNV Holiday Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at noon. The procession will kick off at W. University Ave. and 6th St., traveling about one mile to end at the Alachua County Public Schools Administration Building. With last year’s inaugural event attracting around 5,000 attendees, expectations are high for another successful gathering. Following the parade, additional festivities will unfold, including activities at Bo Diddley Plaza and the annual Holiday Lights Celebration.

For those wanting to participate, registration for the parade is open until October 25, with all necessary forms available online or at City Hall and the Historic Thomas Center.