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Fort Worth holiday tradition Parade of Lights going virtual for 2020

October 8,2020

See full CultureMap article by Alex Bentley here.

Organizers for the annual GM Financial Parade of Lights have announced that the 2020 edition will be a virtual one, taking place inside the Fort Worth Convention Center on November 22 and broadcast locally and on the Parade of Lights’ Facebook page.

Following the broadcast, which will not have a live audience, there will be the “Downtown Showcase of Floats” on November 23 and 24, where approximately 20 signature parade floats will be displayed along Main Street for in-person (but socially distanced) photo opportunities, along with holiday music.

Downtown Fort Worth will also host a virtual “Holidays at Home” float building contest, encouraging anyone to construct their own illuminated floats and submit a video of their float online prior to the broadcast. A panel of judges will review all entries, and the best of the best will be featured in a special video that will air during the November 22 parade broadcast.

“Even during these trying times, we want to offer a beautiful sparkling treat for the community,” says Eddie Broussard, chair of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., in a statement. “We’re proud that viewers can enjoy the GM Financial Parade of Lights at home via a fully produced TV and online broadcast, while the new ‘Downtown Showcase of Floats’ will allow families to take festive photos, listen to music, and kick off the holiday season in Downtown Fort Worth in a safe and socially distanced way.”

Viewers are encouraged to host watch parties at home, order dinner-to-go from one of Downtown Fort Worth's 50-plus restaurants, and stay tuned for online engagement opportunities during the broadcast

For groups interested in submitting a float or other entry to the virtual parade, applications are open through October 16. Entry forms and rates can be found at FortWorthParadeOfLights.org/participate. Volunteer opportunities are available at fortworthparadeoflights.org/participate/volunteer.