HURON — Come downtown and celebrate “A Hometown Christmas,” the theme this year’s Huron Parade of Lights, which is noting its 25th anniversary in 2017. This popular holiday event will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24.
Kevin Fritzshe is once again directing the Parade of Lights, and Fritzshe and his committee are asking businesses to begin planning early to assure a successful event.
“The theme should encourage all kinds of ideas, but any type of entry is welcomed,” Fritzshe said, “providing that it is well lit and highly visible.
The Parade route will begin at Market Street and proceed down Dakota Avenue, ending at 21st Street. Floats will be judged in the categories of Best Lighting, Best Animation, Most Creative, Best Portrayal of the Parade Theme, Best Portrayal of Business, and Best Non-profit Organization.
The always popular “People’s Choice” voting will once again take place on the Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page. A highly decorated Christmas Business will also be recognized
“We can’t forget about the Griswold Award,” added Fritzshe. “Some residents just go all out for Christmas. The committee enjoys driving around the city to check out all of the lights and rewarding one lucky household with $25 in Huron Bucks to help offset the cost of their electricity.”
Nominees for the Griswold Award can be submitted to the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau via email at jon@huronsd.com, or by calling 352-0000.
Christmas Lanes are also a highlight in the Huron community, honoring of the long standing tradition of neighborhoods developing lanes in holiday themes. To make Huron the “Christmas City,” Christmas Lanes are encouraged to be set up prior to the Parade of Lights and are asked to remain lit until 10 p.m. nightly through Christmas. The committee will select the best decorated Christmas Lane to be recognized publically.
Several volunteers are also needed again this year to keep the parade successful and safe. Interested participants can find Christmas Lanes info and parade registration forms online at www.huronsd.com/paradeoflights, by calling Fritzshe at 354-0514, or may pick them up at the Chamber office.
Mike Carroll/plainsman file photo This float, with a patriotic theme to honor service members, was among the more popular entries at last year’s Huron Parade of Lights. This year’s parade is set for Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving, beginning at 7 p.m. Entries are being accepted as are volunteers for those willing to assist with the parade.
