Annual Parade of Lights on December 7th on Main Street – Canon City Daily Record

Look for toy soldiers, stuffed animals and maybe even King Moon Dancers when the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance opens the 35th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights on Main Street on Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m.

This year’s theme is Christmas in Toyland and almost 40 entries are already registered and ready for this year’s festivities.

Led by this year’s Grand Marshal Brendan Pardue, the glitz and glamor of the holiday season in Fremont County will be on full display as participants strive to embody this year’s theme. The mission of Float entries is to showcase the best of vintage and classic Christmas toys, whether they have a religious, educational or charitable background. Float designers compete for first or second place in three categories: youth, nonprofit and corporate.

Float creators will be judged in five categories including use of lights, use of themes, originality, creativity and workmanship. Registrations for the parade will be accepted until November 29th.

The parade will take place on Main Street between 4th and 10th streets, but residents should know that the Cañon City Police Department will begin closing Main Street from 1st to 14th that day at 3:00 p.m . street will begin. Although the street and parking lot will remain closed, shops will remain open for the festive event.

Like last year, the parade will be livestreamed for Fremont County residents who are either not in the area or may not be able to attend the parade in person.

While the details of the live stream have not yet been announced, be sure to check out the Chamber’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RoyalGorgeChamberAlliance or their YouTube page.

“Traditionally it’s done on the radio, but it’s such a visual event that people want to see what we’re talking about. It really provides the added element of experiencing the design and diverse creativity of our community on the floats,” said Rich Millard, executive director of the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance.

In addition to the numerous restaurants that will be open during the parade, various food vendors will be on site to offer additional treats. So be sure to grab your hot chocolate while you enjoy the parade.

As in previous years, there is no entry fee for float entries, and the Chamber relies on a variety of sponsors to bring the popular tradition to Fremont County audiences.

“We still have a few sponsor spots available,” Millard said.

Learn more about the parade, entry and sponsorship opportunities at https://www.royalgorgechamberalliance.org/ or call 1-800-876-7922.

Check the forecast weather for the night of the parade at either https://www.accuweather.com/ or the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/.