Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1521613
JUNE 2024 WWW.IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM 47 IF it refreshing to celebrate Christmas with this event our family could share. Donating food for a worthy cause lied the spirits of all involved that evening", Tanner Landon shared. ey have already ordered their décor for 2024's parade. Dutch at Action Motor Sports shared: "e Light Parade was an amazing thing for our community in a bunch of ways. Most of us live here because we love to recreate, to be outdoors. Sometimes we forget how awesome that opportunity is. Participating in the Light Parade reminded me." When Kevin Call approached Dutcher about the idea, he asked if Dutch thought they could get 100 people. "Action committed to promote the event but had no idea we'd get such a huge response from the commu- nity or how serious people would take the parade," Dutcher said. "e decorating blew our socks off! People went crazy with creativity. We were shocked at the response. It was a grand slam for the first year! Kudos to our leadership; the Mayor and Parks and Rec team were all-stars. How many communities would be willing to invest that much work and be happy to do what it took to pull it off?" Parade goers along the route were enthusiastic, cheering along the drivers and calling out Christmas wishes. People on the edge of the route oen reached out to high-five those in the ATVs. e reflection of the lights in the river of one ATV aer another contributed to an even more festive ambience. Like any successful event, there is a lot of preparation behind the scenes prior to and on the night of the occasion. is Light Parade was no exception. Many willing volunteers helped in various capacities. Jeff Roper, local TV and radio personality, spread word of the event with his contagious enthusiasm. Ida- ho Central Credit Union provided cookies and hot cocoa for participants. Police services were phenom- enal. e State Troopers, Bonneville County Sheriff 's Department, and the Idaho Falls Police efficiently and kindly assisted the vehicles on the parade route. Area businesses provided prizes to three lucky win- ners. Each entry was given a dash plaque, verifying partic- ipation in the event. Over the years many local ATV owners will be adding to their plaque collection as this Light Parade expands. Save the date: Friday before Christmas at the Green- belt. Whether as participants or as spectators, add the Parade of Lights to your family's Christmas traditions. 4913-8RichBroadcasting14v.indd 1 4913-8RichBroadcasting14v.indd 1 4/25/24 9:37 AM 4/25/24 9:37 AM