Dozens of entries displaying hundreds of thousands of lights will brighten the streets of central Phoenix on Saturday, December 3 when the Electric Light Parade, presented by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, returns for its 30th anniversary edition. Entries for the 2016 parade will interpret the theme “1986 to 2016: A Phoenix Family Tradition.”
Mascots from various area professional and collegiate sports teams will share the honor of serving as grand marshal.
The parade starts at 7 p.m. on Central Avenue at Montebello Avenue (just south of Bethany Home Road), heads south to Camelback Road, where it turns east to 7th Street where it turns south to the end point at Indian School Road. Comprehensive event information is available at phoenix.gov/elp or by phone at 602-534-FEST. The public is encouraged to use the hashtag #PhxLightParade on social media to interact with and stay informed about the event.
Parade lovers also may come out during judging and pre-parade activities on Friday, December 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Avenue, when all motorized entries will be lit up for official review. Attendees are able to get an up-close view of many of the floats and can participate in a variety of free holiday themed activities in Santa’s Village, hosted by students of Arizona State University’s Recreation Management Program.
“Know Before You Go” tips for those attending the 30th Annual APS Electric Light Parade:
•Consider taking Light Rail to the event to avoid traffic congestion. The parade route runs right next to the Light Rail stop at Central Avenue, just south of Camelback Road.
•The parade is a rain or shine event. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
•Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
•Crowds for this event have grown very large in recent years. Spectators who arrive at the parade route within 45 minutes of the start should respect the viewing positions of those who arrived earlier, and take a position along the rear edge of the crowd.
•Spectators should try to minimize and gather any trash and litter generated during the parade to ease post-event cleanup.
•Coolers are permitted, however, alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
•Viewing spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Spectators often start arriving three or more hours prior to parade time to reserve a spot.
•Parking is available on city streets around the parade route and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots near the parade area often offer parking for a fee