Despite some bumps in the road, Lloydminster Parade of Lights organizers say the sixth edition of the event was successful.
Founder Ryan Leblanc says the drive-thru parade exceeded organizer’s expectation and raised about $8,500 which is split between the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association and the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.
“Despite the congestion that happened that night, it was just amazing to see the amount of vehicles. We had 1,208 vehicles come through the parade. We are super pleased and excited to be able to still host this event in the city. We appreciate everyone’s support.”
The event proved to be popular with Lloydminster residents as vehicles could be spotted lining the streets in all directions of the Lloyd Exh. Organizers also extended the hours of operation that night to try and accommodate more visitors as some were waiting in line for hours.
In the past, the parade would feature up to 70 entrants with vehicles and floats wrapped in lights. This year the parade featured 25 entrants with some setting up more than one display for the night.
“It was a new way of hosting the event with the rules and regulations the Saskatchewan Government put into place. I think all our participants and everybody followed them right to the T. We’re proud of them for working with the restrictions as well as bringing an amazing event to Lloydminster.”
As far as plans for next year, Leblanc says they’ll wait and see what restrictions and guidelines are in place, but they do plan on continuing the Parade of Lights in 2021. Over the past six years, the Parade of Lights has raised over $65,000 for several organizations in the city.