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A Fairy Tale Sight at the Parade of Lights

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Dec 2, 2012 at 12:00 AM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2012 at 12:21 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Although there isn't snow on the ground right now, the 29th annual Parade of Lights did a great job of getting the community in the Christmas spirit.

On Saturday Main Street was transformed into a picture from a fairy tale. Over 100 floats went through Main Street wowing crowds. Downtown officials say this may be the biggest number of attendees they've ever seen.

"It's really colorful!" said one onlooker.

Sandra Patton, a parade spectator, said, "This is the longest parade I've ever seen! So many lights, everybody's happy and smiling, and it's just a lot of fun!"

Marketing and communications director for the Downtown Partnership, Kathy Dirks, said, "People setting up chairs at seven in the morning. So they arrived 10 hours ahead of time!"

The parade drew in thousands of spectators, lighting up faces and giving everyone a reason to smile.

When asked what her favorite part of the parade was, Emily Hoffman said, "Getting candy!"

Another parade spectator, Nettie Antonelli, said, "We were here at three this afternoon and found good seats right here in front of the stage."

"I'm not sure I've seen it where it went from the street all the way back up to the storefronts. Just solid with people!" Dirks said.

The parade featured four different categories: businesses, performances, organizations and youth. Floats in the different categories competed for prizes.

Dirks said, "I think the community really counts on it. People ask about the theme in March or April!"

But the spectators weren't too concerned about the competition.

"Everybody's just having a good time! It's a family feeling, and it's Christmas! It's just, you know, magical," said Patton.

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and this year's Parade of Lights has the community more excited than ever.

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