Parade of Lights in Downtown Salina

As Halloween passes us by and the weather starts to get colder, the spirit of Christmas can already be felt.  On November 23rd, Downtown Salina is preparing itself for their 33rd annual Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights.  This is nearly an all day event with holiday inspired activities for friends and family.  The community of Salina gathers together to spread joy and show off their enticing decorations and Christmas related rides as they cruise down Santa Fe. Avenue.  As the crowd bundles up and watches in awe, the parade makes for a great time to kick off the holiday season.  

Pre-Parade Activities

Salina’s festive parade is known for its night time light show where cool cars and floats cruise down the street for viewers to see.  But this event has more to offer, starting the day as early as 9 am.  In previous years we’ve seen numerous activities such as the Big Brother Big Sisters 5k Fun Run, horse carriage rides, cookie decorating at Martinelli’s, and locations including the Salina Art Center to make fun and memorable arts and crafts with your loved ones.  And of course, sugar cookies and hot chocolate will be available for purchase at Ad Astra as you prepare for the pre-parade performances starting at the Stiefel Theatre, following the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.  

Cool Entertainment 

With the parade underway be prepared for an assortment of different forms of entertainment.  Last year we saw the likes of marching bands playing Christmas carols and local athletic organizations including twirlers, gymnasts, cheer, and other talented dancers.  There were plenty of custom floats with personally made equipment of themes like The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, gingerbread houses, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, and many more.  Brian Keith who attended last year’s parade said that the most memorable bits for him were the various Grinch costumes, which he found quite comical, as well as the hotrods towards the end of the show.  “It sounds a bit cheesy, but each year I attend it gets me a little more excited for the Christmas season.  On top of that it always makes for a fun time for the kids”. 

Salina Parade of Lights will be taking place in downtown Salina on Santa Fe Avenue on November 23rd at 7pm.  Don’t be shy to show up a bit earlier as there will be an assortment of pre-parade activities available.  For updates regarding the event refer to their Facebook page.  For other holiday-related stories near campus click here.