The annual holiday parade and train lighting illuminated the streets of downtown Laramie last Friday, December 2nd. All members of the community were encouraged to take part in the free holiday festivities that were held at various locations along first and second street.
Floats from various businesses and companies in Laramie flooded the streets with light as they made their way down the streets in the evening. Along with the parade, community onlookers were able to enjoy two dance shows from the Laramie Dance Center, a Holiday Expo at the train depot, and a train lighting at Depot Park.
“It’s important for Laramie to put on events like these because it brings everyone in the community out.” Said Sydney Birkle, a freshman at the university.
Birkle was seen enjoying the parade alongside other university students, including Emily Harrington, another University of Wyoming freshman. This was the first holiday parade that they have attended since moving to Laramie, and they were excited to be participating in the holiday festivities despite the sub-freezing temperatures that the city saw that evening.
The annual event was sponsored by Johnson Auto of Laramie, the Laramie Vision Clinic, and Ivinson Memorial Hospital and Foundation. The theme of the parade this year was ‘Holidays Around the World.’
“I helped my church, Calvary Laramie, build the float. We decided to do it a few weeks ago and I helped mostly with the construction of the float, and also with handing out candy.” Said Max Munyan, a senior at the university,
“I was impressed with the amount of people that were here, and we just had a blast even though it was really cold out.”
Various businesses from the Laramie community participated in the holiday parade, including Laramie Head Start, the Laramie Regional Airport, Laramie Tough Guys, and many more.
“It’s a good way for companies and churches to spread their messages for free. It’s nice that you don’t have to buy an ad or anything, you can just show up and you’re in the parade,” said Munyan.
“It’s the Christmas season so you just have to go to the parades,” said Harrington, “it gives college kids who are far from home a sense that they’re still a part of the community and a part of the holiday festivities. They won’t feel like they’re missing out on anything.”
