Reflecting on the Magic of the Holiday Lighted Parade Winter Wonderland
- warriorshopesd
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 19
As winter approaches and the snow begins to blanket the ground, a lively excitement fills the air. This year we eagerly anticipate the ability to participate in The Holiday Lighted Parade Winter Wonderland. This vibrant celebration not only lights up our town but also unites the community in joy and cheer. There's nothing quite like watching an array of floats illuminated with colorful lights drift by, creating a memorable experience that kicks off the Black Friday tradition and a glimpse into Christmas.
The thrill begins as we bundle up in my warmest clothes, seriously we all could have used about 2 or 3 more layers. Regardless of the chill many people of all ages gather, creating a festive atmosphere filled with the aroma of hot cocoa and laughter that echoes against the brisk night sky. We eagerly await what has become one of the highlights of the winter season.
The Magic of the Lights
One of the most enchanting features of the Holiday Lighted Parade is the stunning display of lights. Each float is like a masterpiece, adorned with vibrant colors that sparkle against a dark winter sky.
The creativity is evident in every design, whether it is a playful winter scene or a very brightly lit product of participant. Each float, which this year was one of the largest in history, almost 50 floats, told a unique story, reminding us of our own cherished holiday memories. This artistic display transforms our town into a magical winter wonderland.
Community Spirit and Togetherness
As we tootled down the very cold streets we observe the crowd, I see families huddled together, children perched on their parents' shoulders, family and friends peering through shop windows and homes and friends connecting over warm drinks while wrapped in cozy blankets but the excitement was evident.
We didn't take home an award this year but the experience was great, freezing but great. We could hear people in the crowd shout out 'Warriors Hope' and that was worth it all.
The parade was a great success for Warriors Hope and we were off to park the trailer at the Winter Wonderland. Now that was a feat and definitely a learning curve. South Dakota really threw its might at us this year. Rob had to revamp the display several time thanks to the insane wind and snow but if I do say so myself, he did an amazing job and it turned out great, if not better then before.
The Delights of Local Vendors
A standout feature of the parade is the local vendors who set up booths alongside the parade route. The scents of seasonal delights fill the air, making it impossible to resist indulging in the treats on offer. We got to enjoy some hot cocoa thanks to some amazing people running it up to us on the float. That perfectly complemented the chilly evening as piping hot coffee from Gather floats through our thoughts. Supporting local shops and groups not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also strengthens our community.
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