by Glenn Terry
Organizers of the Flying Pig Parade, Gainesville’s annual holiday fun fest, have announced that community leader, Vivian Filer will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2024 event.
The colorful procession is set to roll down SE 1 St. from Bo Diddley Park on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 2pm. Anyone can apply to enter a band or group by going to the event’s website, www.flyingpigparade.org.
Ms. Filer, 86, has been a prominent figure in Gainesville for decades. She is the driving force behind the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center. Filer is its founder and CEO who transformed the historic institution into a beacon of Black History and resilience.
Vivian Filer grew up in Gainesville during the Jim Crow Era. Her professional path, which has taken her from Shands Teaching Hospital to Santa Fe College, reflects a deep-seated passion for healing and education.
Filer’s influence extends far beyond healthcare, as she has spearheaded numerous committees, chaired boards, and co-founded essential community organizations including the Springhill Neighborhood Association and the Greater Gainesville Black Nurses Association.
Last June, Community Hospice presented her with the Servant’s Heart Award for a lifetime of service and dedication. The award celebrates individuals whose unwavering commitment to community service, education, and transformative initiatives embody the essence of selfless dedication.
Born on June 6, 1938, to Levi Joseph and Lucille Thompson Washington in Trenton, Vivian Filer’s journey of service began at an early age. Her remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit inspire all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with this remarkable Gainesville luminary.
Vivian Washington Filer is also an accomplished artist. She has inspired countless individuals through her storytelling and musical talents. December’s Grand Marshal has performed as part of the popular a capella trio, The Washington Sisters, for over 60 years.
Alongside her late husband, Delano Filer Sr., she nurtured a legacy of love and service that continues to resonate with her family, including sons Delano Filer Jr. and Craig Xavier Filer Sr. and his wife Sharon, as well as her loving grandchildren. At a recent ceremony honoring her grandmother, Maya Filer, noted that she is a “beacon of light in Gainesville.”
Vivian Filer will continue to be a beacon of light — and joy — as she leads Gainesville’s colorful Flying Pig Parade on Dec. 28.