University students and the Champaign community didn’t let the cold weather stop them from celebrating the beginning of the holiday season at the City of Champaign’s ninth annual Parade of Lights friday night. The parade was sponsored by the Champaign Park District and the News-Gazette.
Sarah Ashton-Szabo, senior in Engineering, said she came out to the parade for something to do on a Friday night. She said her and her friends didn’t know a lot about the parade but though it was a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
“When I was driving back to campus last weekend I saw a sign about the parade,” Szabo said. “I have always loved parades.”
The downtown Champaign area was blocked off to ensure the parade went on safely. Pierre Stephens, sophomore in LAS, worked at the event guarding the barricades. He said he also got a chance to enjoy the parade while he worked.
“I went on the CU volunteer Web site to volunteer,” Pierre said. “I love Christmas.”
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The parade had a variety of different entries. This included everything from the Champaign Fire Department, Girl and Boy Scout troops from the area and local businesses and radio stations. There were floats, antique cars and marching bands along with volunteers passing out candy canes along the way.
Jan Kijowski, Marketing Director at the MTD, said that MTD entered their antique bus into the parade. The bus was playing Christmas carols and was decorated to “Let It Glow” theme.
“The bus is completely covered in bright colored LED lights around the exterior, has red and green neon lights beneath the vehicle illuminating the street below, and is topped with an amazing Holiday scene featuring moving polar bears and penguin families, illuminated gift boxes, and six large Christmas ornaments,” Kijowski said.
Kijowski said that along with this parade, MTD has been a part of numerous community events and parades for years now.
“Because we provide a service that helps make a community a community, and to keep awareness of our services high, we feel it’s important to support and be part of community events,” said Kijowski.
At the end of parade the announcer’s presented awards to the entries. The “Light of the Parade” award went to the Vermilion Regional Airport for the best use of lights and the judge’s favorite went to Greater Champaign County AMBUCS.
Around 7:30 p.m. parade-goers gathered around the tree in One Main Plaza to count down to the lighting of the tree. Anne Neely, Champaign community member, said she liked when the tree was in West Side Park instead of the location it is now.
“It used to be a real tree, now it is a fake one,” Neely said. “But it is in a more downtown area now.”
At the end of the parade a “Santa” was available outside Jim Gould’s restaurant next to the free hot chocolate. Anyone who wished was able to sit Santa’s lap and get a photo.
“We have a very special guest from the North Pole,” Laura Auteberry, marketing and development director for the Champaign Park district said.
