The Grinch waves to onlookers during a past Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Columbus.
Republic file photo
The recently canceled Festival of Lights Parade will be back on next year, returning Dec. 2, 2023.
That’s the announcement from a team of three lead organizers with a new, nonprofit group known as Red Arch Community Events, Inc., led by Sarah Forbes, Amy Stoughton, and Crissy Riley. The group posted its news on Facebook recently, and Stoughton detailed some of the announcement Thursday at the Ignite Columbus event at Helen Haddad Hall downtown.
The name Red Arch links the arches on the Interstate 65 bridge at the city west’s entrance and the Large Arch sculpture on the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza.
Sanctioned by the City of Columbus to provide a safe and fun family event, the group “is in the very early stages of preparation,” according to its announcement — and already is inviting community involvement via a public meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Cal Brand room of City Hall at 123 Washington St. That meeting will allow people to ask questions, volunteer, learn about sponsorship opportunities, vendor applications and more, according t0 organizers.
“The parade has brought such joy to so many families, mine included,” Stoughton said in her Thursday presentation before about 90 people.
Parade leaders announced this year’s cancellation Sept. 10, citing a volunteer shortage, repeated and serious safety concerns, insurance costs and other issues.
Stoughton, a local insurance agent, is involved in one other Christmas staple: the Toys For Tots drive for less fortunate youngsters. Riley was a member of last year’s parade committee, and Forbes’ background includes training in event management.
Stoughton said that the trio is pumped about Festival of Lights’ possible plans for everything from letters to Santa to hot chocolate and goodies at the event that has attracted an estimated 7,0000 to 10,000 people most years in a mile-long route down Washington Street.
“We are ecstatic,” she said. “… We eventually want Columbus to look like you could produce the next Hallmark Christmas movie here, OK?”
Toward that end, the group is proposing activities such as a business window decorating contest and much more. But she said events and activities will have to be added slowly, perhaps year by year, because organizers are basically starting over in organizing the large event.
“I don’t want people to expect that all these things are going to automatically be a part of next year,” she said.
Stoughton added that safety is the No. 1 concern and learning to coordinate and handle the logistics of the parade itself before other elements can even be considered.
“And we are looking at many options for increasing security,” she said.
How you can help
Those wanting to volunteer, organize a float, or assist in myriad other ways with the planned Festival of Lights Parade for Dec. 2, 2023, can attend a planning meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Cal Brand Room at City Hall, 123 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
