Tradition marches on in parade

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 7, 2003 by CARY LEIDER VOGRIN

Cathy Andrew wouldn't think of missing the Festival of Lights Parade.

It's a family tradition - the official kickoff to the holiday season.

"We've come for 19 years - in the bitter cold, the sleet. I brought her when she was 6 months old," she said, pointing to her 19- year-old daughter, Lynette.

Saturday night, however, was downright pleasant.

Some people even walked around in T-shirts.

Parade-goers set chairs two and three deep on the sidewalks, and many spread blankets on the grass outside the Pioneers Museum.

"The turnout was fabulous," said Richard Stettler, the parade coordinator. "What we had was one of the warmest days in the history of the parade, and that was great. It seemed like there was a lot of enjoyment."

By the time the parade ended, the temperature was still in the low 40s.

The 75 entries in the hour long parade included snowmen and Christmas trees, goats and sheep, the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat.

Diana Warrick, a Wasson High School student, said the marching bands were her favorite. She stood on the curb of the parade route and held up her sister's picture-taking cell phone as floats passed by. She hoped to e-mail her aunt some photos, she said.

Donnie Thomassen and his wife Lisa of Colorado Springs said they've come to the parade for a few years.

"Christmas is our favorite season period," Thomassen said as he held 18-month-old son Justin up to see the floats. "We like that the whole community comes out."

"It seems like every year they come up with something different," he said as one float caught his eye.

"Look, Justin, it's the Grinch! Which is perfect because it can tie in to a book we read," he said.

"Even the garbage trucks are decorated," he said as a fully lighted Waste Management trash truck passed. "Where in the world do you see that?"

The Thomassens, both teachers, also said they like supporting the kids who participate in the parade.

Lisa Thomassen said the event gives Colorado Springs a smalltown feel, which she enjoys.

Andrew called the parade "wonderful family time."

She said she always encourages her neighbors to attend and one year, her whole cul-de-sac in Widefield came.

Andrew spent the parade waving at every entry. "They've gone through so much to put their floats together, and we appreciate what they've done," she said.

She said she also likes to spend part of the evening touring the Pioneers Museum, to show friends and family a bit of Colorado Springs history.

After the parade, as in all other years, she planned to go home and wrap presents - part of the day's tradition.

"I can't wait," she said.

PARADE WINNERS

White Christmas Award for best overall float: CSHS/Palmer Alumni Association.

Best music award: Harmony Homes.

Best theme: Springs Utilities

Best lighting: City of Fountain

Best special entry: El Paso County Search and Rescue

Best special entry, runner-up: Rhino Linings of Colorado Springs

Best horse-drawn entry: Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center

Best horse-drawn entry, runner-up: Great Western Paso Fino Horse Association

Silver Bells top band award: Rampart High School

Sleigh Bells band award: Doherty High School