Franken named grand marshal of Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights is back after being canceled last year because of the pandemic, and retired city public health director Jill Franken will serve as the grand marshal.

The parade, which is organized by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. and presented by First Bank & Trust, starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 on Phillips Avenue, running north from 13th to Fifth streets. It kicks off with the outdoor tree lighting at the Washington Pavilion at 7 p.m.

The organization also selected Carter Martens as the junior grand marshal.

After 20 years of dedicated service to the city of Sioux Falls, Franken retired in April. While with the city, she led many public health initiatives, including the development of Falls Community Health school-based health services and homeless health care services. She is an active member of the community and has served on numerous boards, including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Sioux Falls Hope Coalition Board, the Community Health Association of the Dakotas, Volunteers of America Dakotas, Southeast Technical Institute Housing Foundation and the Teddy Bear Den.

Martens, the junior grand marshal, is a 7-year-old Boy Scout whose goal is to help people in Sioux Falls and around the world. He plans to travel the world with the goal to make sure everyone has food and shelter.

This year’s parade includes more than 60 entries with new floats and past favorites. The theme this year is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree in celebration of the Pavilion’s outdoor tree lighting ceremony.

The night of the parade, street closures will begin at 5:15 p.m. with Phillips Avenue closing at 6:45 p.m.

Hot chocolate will be available for purchase during the parade from vendors on Phillips Avenue benefiting nonprofit fundraisers.

After the parade, awards will be presented to floats at the after-party at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

For event details, visit dtsf.com.