On Nov. 26, the streets of Phillips Ave. in downtown Sioux Falls were jam-packed with eager Sioux Falls residents anticipating to see a line of floats covered in twinkling lights at the annual Parade of Lights. 

 The 29th Annual Parade of Lights was hosted in downtown Sioux Falls for the first time in two years. Due to COVID-19, in 2020, the annual Sioux Falls tradition was unable to take place. Considering the year taken off, the parade most definitely made up for lost time with the grand floats, bright lights and great crowd turnout.

LHS’s very own Braden Bradfield had the opportunity to participate in the parade for their first year on the float representing Revolution Cycle and Yoga, a locally owned fitness studio in Sioux Falls. The float was decked out in multicolored lights and colors similar to the many of the other floats in the parade, yet Revolution incorporated a more interactive aspect to the event. They had about a dozen frequent cyclists and others involved in the studio participate in the parade by doing a cycling workout as the parade went on. The creative execution of Revolution’s float earned them the “Mayor’s Choice Award,” one of the six different awards given to the participants of the parade. 

The theme for the 2021 Parade of Lights was “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Therefore, many floats incorporated the classic Christmas song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and more classic Christmas tunes. Many floats were promoting a wide variety of local businesses, churches and other South Dakota-based groups. 

“It is also great that people are able to see the businesses in the community and just bring people together,” said Bradfield.

The annual parade brings together the Sioux Falls community while spreading holiday cheer. This year, the energy was electric and everyone was excited to finally be back together as the holiday season is approaching.

“I think it was the community and energy of it all because of people because last year it was cancelled and people are finally able to all come together again,” said Bradfield. “I think it just shows that people are celebrating and everyone is able to feel the coziness of the holidays.”