This Friday, Dec. 2nd at 5:30 pm Manhattan, KS will hold the Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade, also known as the Mayors Holiday Parade. The Parade route begins in Downtown Manhattan and weaves its way from the Manhattan Town Center, down Poyntz Ave, past the Manhattan City Park, and then cruises down Moro and ends in Aggieville.
This parade is so much fun and all participants must follow the entry rules which means I promise there is no shortage of lights! In fact, every float must have lights, and let me tell you, the entries get VERY creative! While it is all in good fun there are also awards given out by the parade committee! There are six awards in total, Best in Show/Mayor's Trophy, Best Use of Lights, Spirit of the Breadbasket, Best Youth Float, Best Walking Group, and Best Bicycle Entry!
One of the favorites in the parade is The Pride of Wildcat land, the K-State Marching Band! Marching their way down the parade route the KSU Marching Band will be playing the favorites. Most years, The Pride is followed by the Kansas State University Football semi, staff, and occasionally players but with the big game this weekend they might be a little preoccupied.
The Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade is truly all about our community getting together and having a great evening. The best part is that the parade also benefits the Flint Hills Breadbasket, attendees can bring donations, and one of the first groups through is part of the breadbasket and will take any donations you have to offer.
Pro-tip, there is a special visitor at the end of the parade that you definitely don't want to miss!