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This was one of the floats in a past light parade event in Ammon. | Courtesy city of Ammon
AMMON — A popular holiday light parade coming to Ammon this weekend will have two big changes, including no candy for kids and an altered route.
The city of Ammon’s Holiday Lightapalooza Light Parade and McCowin Park Lighting, presented by Frontier Credit Union, is happening this Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. This is the seventh year of the event, and the parade will have approximately 40 floats.
New this year will be a different parade route.
“It’s going to start on Sunnyside at Eagle, and then they are going to head east on Sunnyside to Midway and then the full length of Midway past McCowin Park. Then the parade will conclude at 17th Street,” said Ammon recreation coordinator Randal Miller.
Parade route. | Courtesy city of Ammon The goal is to reduce cost and traffic congestion.
“We are not going to use Ammon Road this year, and the reason for that is in the past, we have shut down Ammon Road at Ammon and Sunnyside and Ammon and 17th…two major intersections and we really haven’t had a lot of spectators on Ammon Road. The parade route is a mile and a half, so plenty of room to get a good view,” Miller said.
In previous years, the parade has been about three miles long.
“This is something we are going to try this year. We are going to evaluate it and see how it goes and if we need to adjust for next year, we certainly will,” he added.
The other change is that there will be no candy thrown from the parade floats.
“This is something we tried last year but we are trying to firm it up this year. There’s been some close calls out there. Kids are scrambling and running for candy and it’s so dark and icy. We don’t want anybody to get hurt,” Miller explained. “We’ve done a little bit of research and read about other parades in other cities: there’s been some terrible accidents, including some fatalities scrambling for candy around the floats.”
Miller said safety is the most important and they are trying to take a proactive approach.
The parade will last approximately an hour. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will make his way to the McCowin Park gazebo to visit with kids.
Courtesy city of Ammon There will be plenty of treats at the park.
“Kneaders will be at the concession stand with free hot chocolate and free cookies while supplies last,” Miller said.
There will be food and craft vendors along with heaters to keep people warm at the park courtesy of Elite Comfort Systems.
Fireworks will begin around 7:30 p.m. There will be prize money for the best parade floats in five different categories ranging from $200 to $1,000.
The event is free to attend.
“It’s a fun night. The music and just the atmosphere. It’s Christmas time. It’s kicking off the holidays. It’s just a fun, festive evening,” Miller said.
English (United States) ·