Holiday Parade of Lights had 45 floats, big and small (photo spread)
The Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 3rd set the town “aglow!” The parade began at 6:30 pm, along Main St (which was closed for two hours) and included 45 illuminated, colorful floats, and other common vehicles. The theme of this year’s parade was “Starry Starry Night”.
Attendees bundled up in the 35 degree temperature, but there was no new snow to push through. Afterwards, some people stopped at the restaurants and bars to enjoy a meal or Holiday drink. But most grabbed a bowl of homemade chili at the Lyons Community Church (and threw a donation in the bucket). It had been cancelled during the two year COVID restrictions. Across the street Moxie’s Bread and the Foothills Baptist/community church offered hot chocolate and snacks for free. And, the kids snatched up lots of wrapped candy that was thrown from the floats.
The Polar Bears were back, as usual, thanks to Jason Stillman’s leadership. And George’s Towing attended, after scrambling to get a generator. They are a steadfast participate, even during the COVID-year mini parade. They said this is likely to be their last. Santa, of course, was the last float to drive through town, with many kids waving and cheering him and Mrs. Claus on. New this year was a giant “wall projection” of digital art of the Gingerbread Man and Santa.
The Parade of Lights is made possible by donations and grants received from the Lyons Community Foundation and other local sponsors, including Laura Levy Real Estate, Kissinger and Fellman, PVREA, CEMEX and Ramey Environmental. There were no fireworks this year due to Colorado being a year-round-drought and fire danger zone, and Lyons being near Open Space that had recently experienced fire danger.
~~ NOTE: You will get the Best, and Full Image
if you view these photos on a computer screen ~~
Lyons Polar Bears lead the parade
While all Christmas parades end in Santa’s sled arriving, Lyons is known for its Polar Bears leading the parade. Thanks to Jason Stillman for keeping up this creative and playful experience.
Lots of music was enjoyed, including the Lyons Middle/High School band. — Photos by Yelena Hughes (copyright) unless otherwise marked
Bizarre Christmas Train
A big favorite of the night was once again created by Jacob Leeuwenburgh, with the help of Ann Hall, including driver Marcia Hall. Sister Emma Hall said, “Another parade fiasco! Gas? Brakes? Not sure, but the show must go on! Grab a strap, and rewire as we go and no one will know! Great work Ann and Jacob!” The three-part float had hamsters, kabouters, train cars, and hamster wheels, and so much more. And, for those who didn’t recognize the mystery co-pilot mannequin, it was famous India star Hrithik Roshan. They gained many new fans that night.
The float won for best motorized entry. “It was mostly my design, Jacob did most of the building. I painted. And John King helped with mechanics. My sister Emma (Hall) was technician on site to help with fixes during parade. And my mom (Marcia Hall) was the caboose engineer or captain?” said Ann Hall.
And here Comes Santa Claus, here Comes Santa Claus!
Digital Holiday Image
On the corner between Main Street and High Street, on the back wall of Chase’s bike shop, was displayed a giant moving digital Holiday image. It was created by the Lightbrush projection company (Moe Angelo and Jason Miller), and Sporeganic (Scott Hedstrom).
The art form is referred to as projection mapping; and the digital art was created using MicrodoseVR, a software created in Lyons. MicrodoseVR is Android Jones’ and Scott Hedstrom’s company which started about four years ago. Android created the digital art behind the Gingerbread Man and Santa. Android is a Lyons resident, and the Lyons Recorder will be doing an article about him in the near future.
Moe Angelo and partner Miller are based in Estes Park.
Many people proclaimed that they want to see more of this in Lyons, and the artists hinted that perhaps they will aim for the next Holiday.
Winners of Parade Floats
Congratulations to this year’s entries and winners! The parade and entries were super!
Town of Lyons
Most Spirited: DandeLyons Brigade
Best Use of Lights: George’s Towing
Best Motorized: Jacob Leeuwenburgh (Ann Hall)
Best Representation of Theme: Lyons Portable Welding
Overall: Mayama/Laura Levy GroupColdwell Banker
Also a big SHOUT OUT to the Town of Lyons Parks and Public Works staff who prepared the holiday lights for the season. We appreciate all you do!
