Grand marshal announced for Parade of Lights

Jeff Danz, longtime retailer and founder of Zandbroz Variety, will serve as the grand marshal of the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Sioux Falls.

Danz and his brother began revising downtown Sioux Falls in the 1980s, investing in their Phillips Avenue storefront, which formerly was Kinney Shoes. Zandbroz Variety opened in 1989, with an eclectic mix of merchandise and a historic soda fountain.

Danz served as chair of the Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. board of directors in 2002.

“Jeff planted a flag in downtown Sioux Falls long ago that made a statement that he was all-in on downtown,” said Joe Batcheller, DTSF president.

“He has created a unique downtown experience that only Jeff could, with products that others may not otherwise discover. More importantly though, Jeff’s all-in statement communicated that downtown is a place to invest, to set up shop, to do what you love and follow your dreams.”

The Parade of Lights will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday along Phillips Avenue, heading north from 13th to Fifth streets.

The official junior grand marshal is 12-year-old Athena Callahan, who has served the community with various service projects, including picking up trash at parks.

Danz and Callahan will lead the parade procession. Both marshals also will present two of the six float awards given out during the Parade of Lights-After Party & Awards Ceremony at the Holiday Inn City Centre immediately following the parade, which the public is invited to attend. Six awards will be given at the end of the night 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

The 31st Parade of Lights, presented by First Bank & Trust, includes more than 70 entries, with new floats and past favorites.

The parade route will close at 6:45 p.m. Parking downtown is free starting at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to use the parking ramps. Refer to the image below for parade route, parking areas, ADA parking or go to the DTSF website: Downtown Parking Info.