Columbus’ 26th annual Festival of Lights parade will run literally in reverse of its flow in previous years to adjust to curb extensions on Brown Street, organizers said.
That has been part of the staging area, along with the Cummins Inc. parking lot, for the parade since it began.
Running the Dec. 3 event in the opposite direction — south on Brown (the opposite of normal traffic flow), east onto Third (again, the opposite of normal traffic) and then north onto Washington Street and then west onto Eighth Street — will help the staging, Joyce Lucke said.
She’s a member of the parade committee that coordinates the 100-entry event that always closes with Santa Claus’ float.
Lining up larger vehicles such as firetrucks and other city vehicles would be tougher if the direction remained the same with the new curb extensions, Lucke said. Reversing the direction alleviates those problems.
“It not only will work out better for the staging,” Lucke said. “It also will help in getting people and their entries on and off the parade route.”
Parade attendees will notice no other significant changes, she said.
“Everyone still can sit in their favorite place to see the parade,” she said. “And they still can easily reach The Commons for the Festival of Lights Christmas Village.”
Meanwhile, the free family oriented Christmas Village, an event that has drawn up to 2,000 people, returns from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3.
The Columbus Area Railroad Club will have model train displays, and children’s activities, games and music are also planned, said organizer Shanda Sasse, who is working with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department in planning the event.
“As always, there should be plenty of fun for the whole family,” Sasse said.
The 6 p.m. QMIX Christmas Musical Fireworks will follow the parade.
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Organizers of the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Village are seeking more area craft vendors to participate. Deadline for registering is Nov. 18.
Information: 812-376-2681.
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