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The Daily Wildcat

64° Tucson, AZ

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

Holiday season is looking bright with Tucson Parade of Lights

Tucson+Fire+Department+was+also+present+at+the+Tucson+Parade+of+Lights%2C+bringing+out+Santa+Claus+at+the+end+of+the+event.+TFD+drove+a+historic+fire+truck+embellished+with+lights+and+Christmas+decor.+
Desiree Guerrero
Tucson Fire Department was also present at the Tucson Parade of Lights, bringing out Santa Claus at the end of the event. TFD drove a historic fire truck embellished with lights and Christmas decor.

The 25th Annual Tucson Parade of Lights & Festival, hosted by Mister Car Wash, was held downtown on Nov. 30. The free event kicked off at the Jácome Plaza in the afternoon, with pre-parade festivities to celebrate the holiday season. 

The pre-parade festival included food vendors, a classic car show and a tree-lighting ceremony presented by the mayor. Live entertainment also included music from Mariachi Los Amigos and traditional Native American dancing by group Calpulli Tonantzin. 

Many local businesses such as Tierra Antigua Realty, Bashbox Photo booth and AAG Glass & Tint participated in the parade. The parade showcased more than 50 floats and cars adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, representing many local companies and organizations.

Local government agencies were also present at the parade, including floats from Tucson Police Department and Tucson Fire Department. 

Concluding the festivities was the “Dancing Under the Lights: Santa Pachita” event.

"The Jolly Grader”, a decorated Caterpillar truck, was one of more than 50 entries hoping to win an award in this year’s parade. A panel of judges were present at the parade, judging each float or vehicle based on different decorative factors.
“The Jolly Grader”, a decorated Caterpillar truck, was one of more than 50 entries hoping to win an award in this year’s parade. A panel of judges were present at the parade, judging each float or vehicle based on different decorative factors.

Cima Automotive, an auto repair shop, were participants in the parade. For their float, the local business custom-built a replica of the historic Tucson neon sign displayed at 127 W. Drachman.
Cima Automotive, an auto repair shop, were participants in the parade. For their float, the local business custom-built a replica of the historic Tucson neon sign displayed at 127 W. Drachman.

This year’s awards included Best Entry Overall, Best Historical or Cultural Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Musical Group, and Best Youth Group. Judges also looked for presentations that had the most originality and workmanship.
This year’s awards included Best Entry Overall, Best Historical or Cultural Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Musical Group, and Best Youth Group. Judges also looked for presentations that had the most originality and workmanship.

 Local business Bashbox Photobooths & Bus, decorated their 1970 VW bus for the parade on Nov. 30. The company’s VW bus has a photobooth inside, which they offer to be used for photo services at events.
Local business Bashbox Photobooths & Bus, decorated their 1970 VW bus for the parade on Nov. 30. The company’s VW bus has a photobooth inside, which they offer to be used for photo services at events.


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