Phoenix Electric Light Parade 2009
If you are looking for something unique to light up your day, attend Phoenix’s annual Electric Light Parade. Every year Phoenix strives to create one of the most fantastic displays of lights anyone has ever seen. They do so by inviting entrants, often earning close to one hundred participants. Themes are always left vague so that entrants can create with freedom. This year’s theme, in keeping with the trend of making the environment better for everyone, is “Going green for the holidays.”
Entering into its 23rd year, the parade is made possible despite the many budget cuts because expenses are generously covered by sponsors. With those sponsors donating generators and volunteers assisting with cleanup, the event always manages to rally people together to build something everyone can enjoy without having to worry about how they’ll pay for it. Indeed, that’s the best news for the city and for families hoping to get into the holiday spirit without having to dip into their pocket books. The parade is not only cheap for the city to put on, it is done with no cost to the public. That’s right, anyone can come watch it for free.
The parade will feature more than 2 million lights on display, including lights on the instruments and uniforms of participating high school marching bands. In addition, the Phoenix Fire Departments spruces up their vehicles with some extra lighted flair, and even businesses join in by adorning their cars with spectacular light configurations. Some overachieving entrants or businesses have gone so far as to don over 50,000 lights on one piece.
From the Carlie Back Team at Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty, spokesman George Young promised that the business will use its van as an entry in the Electric Light Parade. Already known for their generous efforts to aid home buyers and sellers by assisting them in moving from one Phoenix home to another, they will blanket the business van in around 20,000 lights.
Not to forget that the holiday season’s heart is at it’s title, Christmas, Arizona Public Service Co’s (APS) volunteer clown troupe will be in attendance with slight alterations to their clown costumes: they will come dressed as elves. Though APS has reduced its sponsorship funding for this year, the company is not to be dismissed for lack of contribution. Where it has no more money to give it has more than made up for it by increasing its aid in other areas, such as sending its famous mascots “The Renewables,” which includes Wind Woman and Solar Man, who will join in the parade by walking with other entrants and rallying donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank. If that’s not enough, they also plan to assist employees with any other part of the parade where help is needed.
With Phoenix offering the community an event that has unparalleled quality and an unbeatable price, the annual Electric Light Parade is one event you can count on this holiday season.
October 24, 2009
