Brightening the night

PIERRE — The bright lights of the city of Pierre will once again roll through town as the Parade of Lights is set in motion.

The ninth annual Parade of Lights, which has been sponsored by BankWest every year, will line-up behind the Capitol at 5:30 p.m., and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Parade will roll south on Nicollet Avenue until Capitol Avenue, where it will proceed west until Pierre Street. From there the parade will head south and continue until the American Legion cabin.

“People can once again vote on the People’s Choice Award,” Parade of Light’s co-chairwoman Jami Beck said. “Ballots will be in stores along the parade route prior to and during the parade.”

Ballots can be dropped off at the KCCR booth, which will be at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Pierre Street, or at the National Guard booth in Walgreen’s parking lot, where refreshments will be served starting at 5:30 p.m.

A Mayor’s Choice, first, second and third place awards will be given to the best decorated floats and the Grizzwald Award also will be back this year.

Children and horse lovers alike will find enjoyment before the parade as this year free carriage rides by Darby Nutter will be give from 3-5:15 p.m., in front of the Capitol as well as pony rides from the Blue Moon Spanish Mustangs Ranch in Custer.

“We are very honored to be able to display the horses on the Capitol lawn,” the ranch’s owner Don Harwood said.

Harwood, who has trained horses for more than 35 years, said he is bringing 10-12 horses to be in the parade that will be blanketed and lit up for the occasion.

He is also bringing MP Blue Ribbon, Maggie Doby, Hudini and Blue Valentine for children — and the child at heart — for the free pony rides.

“There is no age limit for the pony rides,” said Harwood. “Even big kids can ride.”

For those interested in decorating and entering a float for the parade, there is still time to register as today is the deadline. Registration forms can be picked up and dropped off at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce.