Freezing temperatures were no match for 193,000 watts of holiday celebration Friday night.
The 34th annual Parade of Lights illuminated downtown Denver in an hour-long, 2-mile spectacle of glitter, lights and brass horns.
Spectators braved temperatures in the 20s and winds up to 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service. While chilly, temperatures were not low enough to beat the 3-degree mark of the 1985 parade.
“After 34 years, we hope that people have learned to bundle up and stay cozy,” said Sarah Neumann, communications manager for the Downtown Denver Partnership.
The parade’s 1,100 participants and 500 volunteers dressed in layers to keep warm while coordinating the parade’s 11 floats, three balloons, nine marching bands and 39,370 lights, Neumann said.
Performers and floats were decked out in layers of glitter. Nearly 15 pounds of glitter were used in the costumes, 3 pounds in the face paint and 650 pounds on the floats.
The 240-member Colorado State University Marching Band was new to the parade this year, and its appearance was the first by a collegiate band in the parade, Neumann said. Also, it was the largest band in the show.
The parade repeats tonight, starting at 6 near the City and County Building. The Weather Service said temperatures will be in the low 20s, and a few snowflakes may fly by the end of the parade.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1638 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
