SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) has selected the late visionary city planner, Steve Metli, as honorary Parade of Lights Grand Marshal, and young person of achievement, Sean Kjergaard, as honorary Junior Grand Marshal.
“Steve was passionate about Downtown Sioux Falls and the impact a vibrant downtown would have on this City," says niece Ann Metli. "When asked if Steve would be the Honorary Parade Marshal for the Parade of Lights, our family thought it was a great testament to what Steve loved – Sioux Falls! Steve’s children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews will all be part of celebrating Steve during the Parade of Lights…and we just might have something up our sleeves to help keep Sioux Falls beautiful and remember this great man."
For the first time, DTSF and CenturyLink asked Sioux Falls area residents to participate by nominating a young person of achievement for Junior Grand Marshal. Kjergaard is a student at Brandon Valley, known for his volunteer work with the South Dakota Special Olympics and Feeding South Dakota.
"If my family and I family cannot make a difference in someone else's life by volunteering, then we are all lost. I am honored to be chosen as Junior Grand Marshal." says Kjergaard.
Kjergaard will receive a $250 downtown Sioux Falls shopping spree from CenturyLink as an award for being selected.
Kjergaard and the Metli Family will lead the festivities at the 26th Annual Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink on Friday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m.
The annual Parade of Lights event features an awards ceremony immediately following the parade, which has been hosted at the Holiday Inn City Centre for the past 25 years. The event will begin around 8:45 p.m. on Holiday Inn City Centre's Pub Terrace.
Float winners will be presented awards in the following categories:
CenturyLink Best Use of Lights - This award is given to the float that shows the most ingenuity and engineering in light usage and special effects for visual appeal. The award will be presented by Beth Adamson, CenturyLink Regional Manager of Operations Support - Dispatch.
Best Workmanship - This award is given to the float that displays outstanding craftsmanship, neatness, attention to detail, overall design and usage of color and materials. The award will be presented by Grand Marshal, the Steve Metli family.
Spirit of Sioux Falls - This award is for the float exhibiting the most public appeal and charm, most creatively pleasing the crowd and will be presented by Brady Mallory of KELO-TV.
Mayor’s Choice - This award will be given to the personal favorite of, and also presented by Mayor Mike Huether.
Downtown Sioux Falls Award - This award is given to the favorite of the DTSF board and will be presented by DTSF Board Member Vaney Hariri.
