Winter Wonderland Parade reestablishing local tradition
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IDAHO FALLS — Residents can experience the revival of a long-time tradition this weekend — the Idaho Falls Winter Wonderland Light Parade will be held for the first time in at least 15 years.
Mrs. Idaho Falls Suzanne Sibbett is organizing and hosting the event to raise funds for the forensic nursing program at the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. She said having the annual light parade around the holidays was a tradition she cherished as a child and she’s excited to bring it back.
“I want other people to have memories like I have,” Sibbet said. “I remember going to the same place having the same cup of hot chocolate and (I couldn’t) wait for Santa Claus to come at the end.”
The light parade will be held at 6 p.m. after a tree lighting ceremony Saturday, Nov. 28 at Civitan Plaza in downtown Idaho Falls. The parade of floats will start and end on Memorial Drive near the roundabout.
Sibbett hopes the event will bring the community closer together.
“When you get together and have a celebration I think people have that sense that they want to be a part of something, and they want to celebrate the holidays,” Sibbett said.
Some 27 floats are registered in the parade and are required to have at least 500 lights.
Steven Andersen, production manager of Global Sound Productions, said their business is planning to participate. They are looking forward to wowing the crowd with their float.
“Lights, lights, and lights galore. We’ve put in a lot of computerized lighting (and) a lot of stage lighting,” Andersen said.
Andersen said the event is a great way to give back and it will benefit the entire Idaho Falls community.
“I think it’s awesome that Mrs. Idaho Falls is the one who started to bring back (the parade). I think it’s a great way for the community to come together,” Andersen said.
Proceeds from the event will help fund next years parade, in addition to funding the forensic nursing program.
Nurses in the program are trained to perform sexual assault exams, which can provide needed evidence for prosecution. Teena McBride, executive director of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, said having a forensic nurse team is essential to the area. Their goal is to create and maintain this specialized nurse staff.
McBride, said her organization is appreciative of the fundraising efforts.
“Even if it doesn’t raise the money, it’s okay,” McBride said. “We’d like to continue to support Suzanne in this event regardless of the financial outcome.”
Idaho Falls Winter Wonderland Light Parade is a separate event from the The Festival of Lights at Freeman Park, which is also taking place in Idaho Falls this month.