Post by Todd B on Dec 3, 2006 23:35:47 GMT -5
Ida Parade of Lights draws thousands
By: Michelle Swartz story updated December 02. 2006 11:09PM
IDA - Ida covers a small portion on a map but it could be seen for miles away on Saturday night.
The town was literally lit up for the 24th annual "Christmas in Ida" Parade of Lights. Thousands of onlookers lined the streets for the nearly two-hour parade.
The parade included more than 120 illuminated entries such as glowing fire trucks, tractors and floats decked out in Christmas lights. It also featured local bands and dance groups. One group of children danced to Disney tunes, while others danced to Christmas songs.
Lisa Vajen of Ida watched the parade with her children, Chrysta, 16; Nadia, 6, and Dylan, 4. It was her first time at the annual parade.
"We just moved here about 1½ years ago and we missed it last year," she said. "I've never seen this many people in Ida, ever. This is really cool."
Standing near the front of the crowd, Nadia anxiously waited for her favorite animal to walk down the street.
"I like horses," she said as she peeked to her left to see if they were coming.
Her brother liked the trucks covered with Christmas lights.
"They wanted to see the parade for different reasons. Dylan likes the tractors and she likes the horses. I'm sure they'll all be lit up," said Mrs. Vajen, laughing.
Bruce and Cathy Fondren of Ida attended the parade with a large group of family members. They watched the show with their nine grandchildren as they sat along the parade route in folding chairs.
"We love it. We do this every year," Mrs. Fondren said. "I think the entire festival really bonds the community together. Even though people come from all over, I think it brings our community together."
The parade's grand marshal was Jim Miller of Monroe, who has been the parade announcer for the past 10 years. Prior to the parade, a StoneCo Family Christmas fireworks show was held.
The festival is founded by the Ida Civic Club with sponsorships from local businesses and service organizations.
Last year's festival attracted about 28,000 people. Dale Zorn, a member of the Ida Civic Club, anticipated this year's turnout to be larger than last year due to the relatively nice weather.
By: Michelle Swartz story updated December 02. 2006 11:09PM
IDA - Ida covers a small portion on a map but it could be seen for miles away on Saturday night.
The town was literally lit up for the 24th annual "Christmas in Ida" Parade of Lights. Thousands of onlookers lined the streets for the nearly two-hour parade.
The parade included more than 120 illuminated entries such as glowing fire trucks, tractors and floats decked out in Christmas lights. It also featured local bands and dance groups. One group of children danced to Disney tunes, while others danced to Christmas songs.
Lisa Vajen of Ida watched the parade with her children, Chrysta, 16; Nadia, 6, and Dylan, 4. It was her first time at the annual parade.
"We just moved here about 1½ years ago and we missed it last year," she said. "I've never seen this many people in Ida, ever. This is really cool."
Standing near the front of the crowd, Nadia anxiously waited for her favorite animal to walk down the street.
"I like horses," she said as she peeked to her left to see if they were coming.
Her brother liked the trucks covered with Christmas lights.
"They wanted to see the parade for different reasons. Dylan likes the tractors and she likes the horses. I'm sure they'll all be lit up," said Mrs. Vajen, laughing.
Bruce and Cathy Fondren of Ida attended the parade with a large group of family members. They watched the show with their nine grandchildren as they sat along the parade route in folding chairs.
"We love it. We do this every year," Mrs. Fondren said. "I think the entire festival really bonds the community together. Even though people come from all over, I think it brings our community together."
The parade's grand marshal was Jim Miller of Monroe, who has been the parade announcer for the past 10 years. Prior to the parade, a StoneCo Family Christmas fireworks show was held.
The festival is founded by the Ida Civic Club with sponsorships from local businesses and service organizations.
Last year's festival attracted about 28,000 people. Dale Zorn, a member of the Ida Civic Club, anticipated this year's turnout to be larger than last year due to the relatively nice weather.