Parade updates: Sioux Falls goes on; Tea cancels

The upcoming round of snow has canceled one area parade and hopefully will provide a scenic backdrop for others.

The Sioux Falls Parade of Lights will go on regardless of weather.

It starts tonight at 7:30 and follows a route down Phillips Avenue from 13th to Sixth streets, featuring 80 entries with the traditional floats, drum lines, flamethrowers and other creative presentations.

The parade grand marshal will be Shawn Prichett, the city’s director of finance and innovation and technology.

“This is a community event aimed at making sure kids and families know that downtown Sioux Falls is for them,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

Before the start of the parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at the MarketBeat Holiday Plaza on 10th Street, east of Phillips. Programming for the ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with hot cocoa, the Coffea Roasterie coffee truck, music from Pinnacle Productions and the actual tree lighting and announcement with Mayor Paul TenHaken at 7 p.m.

Parade entries will be ranked by a local panel of judges and considered for six awards: Best Use of Lights, Best Workmanship, Spirit of Sioux Falls, First Bank & Trust Hometown Pride, Mayor’s Choice and DTSF Award.

Parking is available outside the parade route and street closures:

If you’d rather stay in and watch, click below.

Tea has canceled its parade scheduled for Saturday. The Tea American Legion will still host crafts, holiday movies and photos with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. and a chili cook-off from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Find all the details at teasdchamber.com.

Brandon also cancelled its parade, which was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Saturday, ending at the VFW. Santa will be at the VFW starting at 6 p.m.

Note: This story will be updated if warranted.

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