by Kendall Jaspers, Executive Director, Prescott Downtown Partnership
The 22nd annual Prescott Holiday Light Parade once again lit up downtown Prescott. Sponsored by the Prescott Downtown Partnership, the parade took take place 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The parade route began at the corner of Carleton and Cortez streets and went north on Cortez Street to Willis Street, then west on Willis Street to Montezuma Street, and finally south on Montezuma Street. The parade finished at the Mile High Middle School.
The Holiday Light Parade is the kickoff to the Christmas season of events in Arizona’s Christmas City. Each year, local residents and out-of-towners line the streets to admire the lights and the creativity of this fun and family-friendly event.
The light parade began as the brainchild of Prescott Fire Department employee Sharon Nordyke, and was put on by volunteers from the fire department for a number of years. The parade started small but grew in popularity. The Prescott Holiday Light Parade eventually found a new home when the Prescott Downtown Partnership – a merchants’ association that focuses on the historic downtown area – assumed responsibility for the parade.
AT A GLANCE:
- There are generally 35 to 40 parade entries.
- The parade generally lasts 35 to 40 minutes.
- It takes 25 volunteers to put on the parade. There are commercial and family entries, dance troupes and at least two high school marching bands.
The Prescott Holiday Light Parade After-Parade Party finished at Prescott’s Mile High Middle School field on Goodwin Street. The floats circled around the track and were on display for all to enjoy until shortly after 7 p.m. Santa handed out candy canes and was available to interact with the kids in the crowd. There was a bonfire and Christmas music to finish off a great evening!
