Thousands line Fort Worth streets for Parade of Lights

November 20,2016

Reposted from The Star-Telegram

By Susan McFarland

A cool but not too cool 57 degrees was perfect for a holiday parade Sunday evening — just chilly enough for thousands of parade-watchers to wrap up in caps, coats and blankets for the XTO Energy Parade of Lights.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “The Melodies of Christmas,” marching bands, bagpipes and carolers wove between illuminated floats during the hours-long parade, now in its 34th year.

“We are really thrilled with the weather this evening,” said Brenna Jefferies, parade spokeswoman. “People are enjoying that crisp air that will really get them into the holiday spirit.”

Jefferies, who said an exact crowd count wasn’t available, but that it numbered in the thousands, said she has loved seeing the parade become a beloved Fort Worth tradition.

“The parade started with 25 entries. This year we have 130,” Jefferies said. “From nonprofits to corporations, there is such a big variety of people involved.”

The parade’s grand marshal this year was Fort Worth police Officer Matt Pearce, who recently returned to duty after he was shot while chasing suspects in March.

“It was a great selection on behalf of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.,” said Jay Downie, parade spokesman. “He is a great representation on how much the Fort Worth community loves and respects what the Fort Worth police do to keep us safe.”

Onlookers were lining up as early as mid-morning and came from across Texas.

The Barnes family drove in from Perrin. Matt Barnes, a Fort Worth firefighter, said it was the first time the family has been to the parade. His wife, Staci Barnes, said it was worth standing in the cold a little longer to get a front row spot.

The couple’s children, 11-year-old Colter, and Ely, 9, said one of their favorite moments was seeing a well-lighted Fort Worth Fire Department engine go by. They also liked the antique cars.

“I thought the old car part was pretty cool,” Colter said. “The Elvis part was funny too.”

Spectators who weren’t on the front row sat on shoulders, stood on chairs or climbed atop construction barriers, like Arlington residents Badrinath Vedavaya and his wife Mary Lou. They were watching the Dallas Cowboys game when an announcement about the parade came on.

“We got dressed and got in the car,” said Badrinath Vedavaya, who was perched on a barricade recording video of the parade. “We parked about 12 blocks away, but it was worth it.”

Others didn’t bother trying to fight the crowd. Fort Worth residents Angie Nobles and her fiance, Brandon Coomer, were pondering heading to coffee shop while waiting on Nobles’ 15-year-old daughter, who was with friends at the front of the crowd.

Even though they were not close to the front, the couple still enjoyed the parade. Their favorite? Big Bird, “mainly because we could see it,” Coomer said of the giant, lighted bird.

Jefferies said the winning entries should be announced in a day or two.