Tempe, AZ – The 2011 Fantasy of Lights Parade in downtown Tempe invites you to participate in the Saturday, November 26th holiday parade, “Let It Snow!”
Founded in 1994, the parade invites community groups, local companies and organizations to join in. Deadline for entry is November 15th.
Tens of thousands of spectators will gather to celebrate the parade. Santa Claus finishes the parade with his official arrival. After the parade, Santa will hear children’s requests in the lobby of MADCAP Theatre in Centerpoint Plaza on 7th Street west of Mill Avenue.
The parade relies on dozens of community members from across the Valley who traditionally join in the fun, including families, neighborhoods, organizations, companies, service groups, and individuals who want to prepare a festive presentation and appear in the parade. The result is a festive, hometown parade to ring-in the holidays.
Entry Fees: Non-commercial $25; Commercial $250
Fantasy of Lights Parade Application & Parade Rules:
Applications and detailed Parade Information are available online at www.downtowntempe.com, (click on the “Events” pull down menue and select “Fantasy of Lights”, and look for Application link).
The Parade officially steps off on Saturday, November 26th at 6:00 p.m.
This year’s parade begins at 3rd Street, and snakes its way south on Mill Avenue to 7th Street, where it heads west through Centerpoint Plaza, the site of the District’s official 50-foot tall holiday tree. Then proceeding north on Maple Street, the parade ends at 5th and Maple.
The parade includes floats, balloons, novelty units, marching units, bands, and brightly decorated cars carrying community dignitaries.
Parade staging for participating units begins about Noon on Saturday, November 26th. Entries will all be notified of their individual load-in time and location, which generally is in the Hayden Square parking lot at 3rd and Ash St.
More About The Parade:
The event is open free to the public for viewing on Saturday night. Details are nearly complete for the traditional hometown street parade, the official holiday tree at Centerpoint on Mill Plaza, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
The Fantasy of Lights Parade sets the tone for holiday celebration in downtown Tempe. Mill Avenue is well known for its tree-lined sidewalks, which take on the enchantment of lighting during the holidays.
Producer & Sponsor Information:
The Fantasy of Lights Parade is an enterprise of the City of Tempe and Downtown Tempe Foundation, Inc. which is a 501-c-3 charitable nonprofit organization working with Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. to manage and inspire the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in the Mill Avenue District.
Sponsors:
Fantasy of Lights Opening Night sponsors include the City of Tempe, Mill Avenue District, the East Valley Tribune, KOOL 9FM, KMLE Country 108, 101.5 JAMZ, Sedona Pines Resort, Gannett Fleming, Sundt, PCL, HDR, Kiwanis Club of Tempe, and Tempe South Rotary. Find more information about the event on our website: www.downtowntempe.com, click on “Events” pull down menu and select Fantasy of Lights.
Founded in 1994, the parade invites community groups, local companies and organizations to join in. 
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