A woman walks past a newly erected Christmas tree on the corner of Neal Main Street and East Main Street in front of Guido’s in downtown Champaign on Monday. The tree is still awaiting final touches and is scheduled to be completed at Saturday’s tree lighting ceremony, the culmination of the 24th annual Parade of Lights. The parade begins at 6 p.m., and several downtown streets will be closed to traffic for the parade starting at 4:30 p.m. Neal Street between University Avenue and Columbia Street. Main between Neal Street and Chestnut Street. Washington is between Neal Street and Walnut Street. Between Market Street and Neil Street in Chester. And Walnut is between Washington and the university. Taylor Street from Neal to Walnut will be closed starting at 10 a.m.
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CHAMPAIGN — Downtown Champaign will transform into a winter wonderland on Saturday, culminating with the 24th Annual Parade of Lights followed by a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Candy Cane Lane.”
Officials with the Champaign Center Partnership, which organizes the event with support from sponsors, said the day is not only about getting into the holiday spirit, but also about supporting local merchants.
“By shopping local, we’re not just supporting businesses; we’re keeping our hometown alive and growing,” said Jenna Manolakes, executive director of the Champaign Center Partnership. It’s important to me that people can experience what this community has to offer.” Just like I grew up with. When you shop local, you’re investing in Champaign’s vibrancy and future. ”
Downtown will also host a variety of other holiday events throughout the day, including:
— Starting at 1 p.m., Taylor Street will transform into “Candy Cane Lane” with food vendors, live music, holiday characters, crafts for kids, face painting, balloon animals, photo ops, a scavenger hunt and more.
— Visit with Santa at Big Grove Tavern, 1 East Main Street. Sensory-friendly hours will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and public visitation will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
— Horse carriages depart from Marybeth Farm from 1 to 5 p.m.
— The tree lighting ceremony will be held after the parade in front of Guido’s Bar and Grill, 2 E. Main St. Scheduled for 7pm
— “After-hours festival” will be held at participating companies from 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Santa Claus himself marked the end of the Parade of Lights before leading the countdown to ignite the tree of lights.
Additionally, the Champaign Center Partnership will be launching a “Gift Passport” on Saturday as an incentive to shop local. Community members can pick up their passports at the Gingerbread Man booth on Candy Cane Lane or at participating businesses.
During the holiday season, residents can earn stamps by spending at least $20 at participating businesses. If you collect five stamps and return your passport to the Champaign Center Partnership by January 8th, you will be entered into a drawing to win over $500 in prizes.
According to the City of Champaign, the following streets will be closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. until after the parade.
Neal Street between University Avenue and Columbia Street; Main Street between Neal Street and Chestnut Street; Washington Street between Neal Street and Walnut Street; and Washington Street between Market Street and Neal Street. Chester Street Walnut Street between Washington Street and University Avenue
In addition, Taylor Street from Neal Street to Walnut Street will be closed starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
“All vehicles in this area must be moved before the 4:30 p.m. cut-off time,” city officials said. “Free parking will be available at the Hill Street Parking Deck on Saturday. The detour route in this area will be State Street, Randolph Street and University Avenue.”
Manolakes told the News-Gazette the parade will follow the same route as last year. It will start in the parking lot at Walnut and Washington streets behind the Orpheum, go south on Walnut, turn west into Chester, north up Neal and end at Neal and Washington, she said. spoke.
Those watching the parade or spending the day downtown will want to be prepared. High temperatures on Saturday are not expected to exceed 30 degrees.
