DTSF announces grand marshal, junior grand marshal for Parade of Lights

A well-known community leader and an inspiring teen will help lead off the 30th annual Parade of Lights on Nov. 25 in downtown Sioux Falls.

Jeff Scherschligt, co-owner of Pendar Properties, which is developing the expanded Cherapa Place downtown, will serve as grand marshal for the Nov. 25 parade.

For 35 years, Scherschligt led Howalt+McDowell Insurance as it became a regional leader in the field. He took on his first major downtown development in the mid-2000s with the original building at Cherapa Place, demolishing the old Zip Feed Tower and ushering in a new era of growth on the east side of downtown.

Scherschligt’s family business, Pendar Properties, also owns the Carpenter Building and Railyard Flats downtown.

In 2017, Scherschligt was inducted in the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

The parade’s junior grand marshal is Arianna Farris, who at age 13 already has demonstrated a powerful commitment to community service.

Farris makes winter survival bags as a community service project each year. She packs them with scarves, hats, gloves, hand warmers and protein bars, and leaves them at bus stops downtown for people in need. You also will find her thanking members of the military and law enforcement for their service whenever possible. 

“Arianna loves the elderly and individuals with different challenges, and she treats everyone around her with kindness and love,” said Mandy Farris, who submitted her nomination.

Both marshals will lead the parade and present two of the float awards given out during the Parade of Lights After Party & Awards Ceremony at the Holiday Inn City Centre following the parade. Six awards will be given to the floats judged by local community members. The six awards are:

• Best Use of Lights
• Best Workmanship
• Spirit of Sioux Falls
• Mayor’s Choice
• Downtown Sioux Falls Award
• First Bank & Trust Hometown Pride Award

This year’s parade will include over 60 entries with new floats and past favorites. The 30th Annual Parade of Lights presented by First Bank & Trust starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25 on Phillips Avenue, heading from 13th Street north to Fifth Street.

Street closures will begin at 5:15 p.m., with Phillips Avenue closing at 6:45 p.m.. Parking downtown is free starting at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to use the parking ramps.