‘Sizable lineup’ expected for lighted parade

The annual Christmas parade hosted by the Sulphur Springs Lions Club is only two days away as businesses ready their floats for Friday, but this year, the parade will be a little different.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s parade will be a “drive-thru” style, meaning people will drive by stationary floats parked on Buford Circle.

“It was for spectator safety,” organizer Adam Teer said. “The parade tends to draw crowds, especially downtown. At times, it was so thick you couldn’t move.”

The Lions Club and city worked out details like traffic control and logistics, something Teer thanked them for. This style of parade is something that bigger cities might do, Teer said, in an effort to promote safety this year. According to Facebook, Tyler is currently planning a drive-thru parade, and Houston is hosting drive-thru light shows for the public, according to ABC13.

Teer expects a “sizable lineup” this year, though he expects a few businesses may choose to sit out this year. Teer is still taking float entry forms at stay@ssclarionpointe.com, but an entry form is not required to participate in the parade.

“Forms help me in bookkeeping,” Teer said. “If you show up with a float, and it’s decorated appropriately, you can participate.”

In all, Teer said it was important to the Lions Club to provide some of the “staple Christmas activities” this year and to do it safely. He added he hopes this will the only year to do the parade in this style.