Parade of Lights, 2022, “The Polar Express”

Santa, Parade of Lights, 2022

The theme for the December 2^nd, 2022 Parade of Lights, hosted each year by the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, was, “The Polar Express”, and that became the weather forecast for southeastern Colorado for the day.  Winds and gusts around 60mph were forecast for southeastern Colorado and the weather people were right on target.

Grinch on Wheels

The parade was scheduled to begin at 6pm, leaving the Lamar swimming pool parking lot, northwards to the Enchanted Forest for a traditional visit with Santa, headquartered in his workshop.  Hours earlier, around 8am, the anticipated winds started blowing in from the west, carrying dust, dirt and grit for the better part of the day and raising concerns that the parade may have to be called off.

Train on a Truck

The chamber, Lamar Police Department and Pueblo National Weather Service contacted each other through the afternoon for weather updates on if, and when, the winds would diminish enough to safely hold the parade for the floats, participants and spectators.  All parties felt that, if by 3pm, there was no change, the parade would not be held and another weekend, either the 10^th or the 17^th would have to suffice.

Colored to Gp

Fortunately, the winds had died down around 3pm and continued to do so with the approach of early evening.  Still, the festive air was still filled with some dust, but not enough to halt the annual event.

Miss Boop!

Congratulations to all involved, including the top three floats for this year’s parade:  John Martin Reservoir Park Rangers (1^st), Dark Knight Trucking (2^nd) and Core Civic (3^rd place).

By Russ Baldwin