*PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY*
The 24th Annual Champaign Center Parade of Lights, presented by Christie Clinic, returns on Saturday, November 30, 2024! This FREE community event, held on Small Business Saturday, marks the official start of the holiday season. We’re inviting CPD staff and volunteers to join in the fun by volunteering as trolley riders in the parade.
Volunteers will ride aboard a trolley, representing CPD, waving and spreading holiday cheer to the crowd. It's a great way to be part of this beloved tradition!
We are expecting temperatures to be in the 20s-30s. Please ensure to dress warmly!
Staging Area: The staging area will be located in the large parking lot between Washington & Main Streets, behind the News-Gazette building. The CPD trolly will be located in the BLUE zone.
Please arrive at the float no later than 5:45pm. The parade will start promptly at 6:00pm.
Important Notes:
- We will be distributing candy canes, but they cannot be thrown from the trolley. They must be handed to attendees.
- We encourage volunteers to wear festive attire to help spread holiday cheer! Please be mindful to avoid clothing with inappropriate phrases, graphics, or logos.
- Parade route is approximately 3/4 mile long (15 minute walk) for those handing out candy canes.
The following streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 4:30 p.m. until after the parade is complete:
– Neil Street between University Avenue and Columbia Street
– Main Street between Neil Street and Chestnut Street
– Washington Street between Neil Street and Walnut Street
– Chester Street between Market Street and Neil Street
– Walnut Street between Washington Street and University Avenue
– Additionally, Taylor Street between Neil Street and Walnut Street will be closed after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
All vehicles within this area will need to be relocated prior to the 4:30 p.m. cutoff time. Free parking will be available at the Hill Street Parking Deck on Saturday. Detour routes around this area will be State Street, Randolph Street, and University Avenue.
Come join us for a fun, spirited celebration to kick off the holiday season!
Event Contact
Zachary Longden
Volunteer Coordinator
Ph: 217-819-3830
