Forty-six participants on foot, in cars, trucks, horse drawn carriages, trikes and bikes and one very large tactical assault vehicle strode or rode down Mesquite Blvd. on Thursday, Dec. 5 for the Fifth Annual Mesquite Parade of Lights.

The annual fundraising effort is for both the Salvation Army and the Virgin Valley Food Bank. Entrants into the parade collected a large amount of non-perishable food items to donate as their entrance fee.

On the night of the parade Boy Scouts were pushing shopping carts along the street so spectators who enjoy the parade could also donate if they chose. This year’s theme was “Parade of Music”.

Mesquite Fire and Rescue along with Mayor Al Litman and City Councilman Brian Wursten have the responsibility of escorting Santa safely down Mesquite Blvd during the annual Parade of Lights which was held Dec. 5. Photo by Angie Roach.

Mesquite Fire and Rescue and Mesquite Police teams were on fire gathering their donations at a blistering pace. The race for goods resulted in another hot win for our first responders and firemen with 2400 pounds of food for local families. In total parade participants donated 8100 pounds of food.

In addition to the food competition there was also awards given for ‘Best Depiction of Theme’, ‘Best Lights’, ‘Most participants’ and ‘Mayor’s Choice.’  ‘People’s Choice’ award, voting was via their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/mesquiteparadeoflights where you can see pictures and video of the parade along with the results of voting.

There was a definite chill in the air but warm hearts and community spirit along with some winter wear kept the crowd gathered in anticipation of the most waited for event of the season.

The Mesquite Parade of Lights Committee is committed to continual growth of this event and is looking for volunteers for next year’s Sixth Annual Parade of Lights. If you are interested in becoming involved in the planning of this wonderful community event, contact Stephanie Frehner at sfrehner@mesquitenv.gov.

The winners of this year’s Parade of Lights are:

‘Best Lights’- Mesquite Fire and Rescue

‘Best Participation’- Virgin Valley High School Marching Band

Snow is a fluke in Mesquite except for each year when the Mesquite Parade of Light’s floats provide their own. Photo by Linda Faas

‘Best Theme’- The Lindi Corp.

‘Mayor’s Choice’- La Virgen de Guadalupe Catholic Church

‘People’s Choice’- Silver Rider.