Holiday Dazzle Parade returns this Friday

One holiday tradition in Jamestown is set for this weekend regardless of what Mother Nature has to say.

It’s the ninth annual Holiday Dazzle parade and it starts at 7 p.m. Friday downtown.

So far about 40 floats have registered, according to Charlie Kourajian of the Main Street Downtown Association.

“I would imagine this parade would last 45 minutes to an hour,” Kourajian said.

The parade route stretches from McElroy Park, moving north on Second Avenue Southeast and then to Eighth Street Southeast, turning onto First Avenue. The parade draws to a close at Third Street North, after going over the railroad tracks.

Those entering floats are asked to come to Babb’s Coffee House anytime between 5 and 6 tonight.

“This meeting on Monday is for two purposes — hopefully get all the narratives in and at this meeting we also hand them out their numbers that they’ll be in the parade,” Kourajian said.

New this year will be three top prizes instead of multiple prizes in different categories.

First prize will receive $500 in Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce bucks, second prize is $250 in chamber bucks and third prize is $100 in chamber bucks.

Parade judges will still look at the same qualities they looked at before — motion, lights, excitement, creativity, originality of theme, holiday spirit, materials, uniqueness and music.

One parade staple will be the Jamestown Choralaires who will sing along the parade route and at the after party at the Gladstone Inn & Suites. There will be Christmas carols and treats as well and the public is welcome to attend.

Other returning entries include the Jamestown Clowns, Relay for Life and numerous churches.

But because the parade is at night where it will be dark, candy must be handed out, not thrown from a float. Also any float handing out candy has to have someone walk the route after the parade to pick up any litter.

There will be bleachers for spectators with announcers along the route describing the floats.

Kourajian said he doesn’t want to turn anyone away if they haven’t registered for a float yet, but they need to sign up quickly.

The extended forecast calls for Friday to have a high of 30 degrees and a low of 20 with only a 10 percent chance of precipitation. The parade will be held come snow or cold temperatures.

Kourajian said after the parade the holiday season will be here. The city will light its Christmas tree Wednesday as well.

“It’s good times in North Dakota and I think it’s going to be a good season,” Kourajian said. “Not only for merchants but for families to get together.”

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

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