The third annual Flying Pig Parade is set to take off on Jan. 3 at Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville.

The parade begins at 2 p.m. at 101 East University Ave. and will march south on SE 1^st Street to the Hippodrome Theatre and will take two left turns before returning to the plaza. This year’s theme will be, “They who shun whimsy shall suffer rigor mortis before death.”

Gainesville’s Joe Courter was named the parade’s grand marshal. Carter has published his Gainesville Iguana newspaper for the past 40 years. He will lead the annual procession that celebrates all that is wild, weird and wonderful about living in North Central Florida, as more than 50 groups will be involved in the parade.

Following the parade is a Bo Diddley birthday bash with the concert starting at 3 p.m. that includes cake.

Anyone with questions can contact Parade Central at 305-299-5607.

Use the contact form, sign up to be in the parade, or use the volunteer form to join the fun.