In celebration of the city’s bicentennial, Mayor Chris Jensen has announced the Holiday in Lights Parade, the inaugural evening holiday parade that will start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.
“I’m excited to try a new spin on the traditional downtown parade,” Jensen said. “With First Friday on Dec. 1 and activities taking place downtown on Dec. 2 leading up to the parade, it’s going to be a very festive weekend in Noblesville and a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The parade route will be different than others. While it will start at 16th and Harrison streets and travel south on 16th Street to Logan Street, the parade will continue west through downtown and across the Bridge of Flowers, before passing Federal Hill Commons along State Road 19.
“With storefronts, the Courthouse Square, and homes lit up, this parade will be picturesque,” Jensen said. “This will be a way for all residents and guests to recognize the different holidays that families celebrate in our community.”
Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency is assisting the city by providing additional portable light stands to better illuminate the roadway along the route. Any nonmotorized entry needs to have reflective material or glow sticks/bracelets on any walkers to ensure their safety during the parade.
To encourage the holiday spirit, the Holiday in Lights Parade will include awards for the best holiday-themed entry, best use of lights and most hometown-inspired to celebrate the bicentennial. City departments also will compete against one another for a decoration award. Participants are reminded that Santa Claus will be the last entry in the parade and should not be replicated on other entries.
Registration is $25 per entry and will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 27. Parade forms can be completed online at cityofnoblesville.org/parade. Like other city parades, entry fee to all nonprofit and youth organizations that want to participate will be waived. Please make checks payable to City of Noblesville. Completed forms may be mailed with payment to Holiday in Lights Parade, Noblesville City Hall, 16 S. 10th St., Noblesville, IN 46060. Forms also may be emailed to rherrington@noblesville.in.us.
Check-in will take place starting at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Hamilton County – Ivy Tech Community College campus. Participants are asked to enter the parking lot from North 17th Street or Harrison Street. Volunteers will be onsite to help stage vehicles to exit the parking lot’s North Entrance. The Riverview Health Overflow lot will be a destaging area at meeting point for participants and families. Because the route does not make a loop, a trolley will be available to take participants from the parking lot back to Ivy Tech.
For questions or more information, contact Robert Herrington at (317) 776-6363 or rherrington@noblesville.in.us.