Features Editor, News Reporter
Little ones were bundled up in their parents’ arms along Main Street as early as 4 p.m. Saturday in anticipation of the 30th Annual Parade of Lights in downtown Grand Junction. In total, 115 floats conveying this year’s theme, “Christmas Wishes,” took Main Street over the span of two hours, from 5 to 7 p.m.
George Rossman of the Downtown Partnership has organized the Annual Parade of Lights for nine years and believes the event is “important for families.”
“When you look out there, you see all the kids, and that’s why we do this, for families,” she said.
While 2012’s parade crowd numbered in the thousands and filled downtown sidewalks with spectators standing shoulder to shoulder, this year’s turnout was considerably less. Saturday afternoon temperatures that hovered around 20 degrees may have been to blame, considering that parade-goers last year had nearly 10 more degrees on their side, with average evening temperatures at 29.
According to Rossman, a few businesses that had already registered and decorated floats for the parade pulled out of the event last minute. Similarly, local high school marching bands did not march in the parade, as is typical, due to the danger posed by exposing one’s lips to freezing mouthpieces.
Amanda Erkman, a deputy with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, walked alongside her fellow officers in the parade and managed to stay warm.
“It was just a matter of getting into the parade and going,” Erkman said. “It’s exciting. You kind of have the adrenaline going because you know you’re going to go see a ton of people and have a ton of fun. This is one of the best parades of the year because you actually get to stop and talk to people and say hi. People are really happy on this one.”
Judges were stationed near the end of the parade line, critiquing each passing float and marking numbers one through five on a sheet of paper containing four different judging criteria: theme, lighting, creativity and audience response.
Kathy Dirks, one of three judges charged with diligently assessing each float, said her favorite example of a float that captured this year’s theme was one that featured a beach scene, complete with sand and palm trees.
“You see? Now that’s a Christmas wish,” Dirks said.
Floats were entered into one of five categories (business, performance, organization, youth and non-competitive), with first, second and third place winners in each division. Those who nab first place will receive $100, while second and third places will win $75 and $50, respectively.
cblackme@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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