SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) - Former Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) Executive Director, Carole Pagones, as the honorary Grand Marshal to lead the festivities at the 25th Annual Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink on Friday, November 25, at 7:30 p.m.
"Carole used her passion, expertise, and energy to contribute to the revitalization of downtown Sioux Falls for 16 years until her retirement in 2008, and also co-founded the longest running event in DTSF history - the Parade of Lights," DTSF Communications Director Brienne Maner said. "We're thrilled to celebrate Carole and to have her take part in the 25th anniversary of the event she created."
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 at 8:30 p.m. on Holiday Inn City Centre Pub Terrace and is presented by Vance Thompson Vision.
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 Rachel Woodman, CenturyLink Market Development Manager for North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and SW Iowa.
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 Vance Thompson of Vance Thompson Vision.
Spirit of Sioux Falls - This award is for the float exhibiting the most public appeal and charm, most creatively pleasing the crowd
Mayor’s Choice - This award will be given to the personal favorite of, and also personally 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 Grand Marshal Carole Pagones.
Event details include:
- Festivities will take place on the Pub Terrace at the Holiday Inn City Centre, featuring extensive holiday uplighting, entertainment, free cookies and cider and a cash bar.
- The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m.
- Live music from Elisabeth Hunstad Band from 9-10:30 p.m. on the main stage.
- A Facebook giveaway featuring a Small Business Saturday prize package and night's stay at the Holiday Inn City Centre. Click here to view the event details.
For more information about the 25th Annual Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink and street closures, click here.