Crystal Wise
A 41-year-old holiday event that started out with only 25 floats in 1983 will be kicking off with over 100 floats on November 19, at 6 p.m.
That’s right Fort Worth, you know what we’re talking about — the GM Financial Parade of Lights. To make things more interesting, that is if you are a TCU fan, Horned Frogs head football coach Sonny Dykes himself is scheduled to be in attendance as the Parade of Lights’ Grand Marshal.
Other spectacles scheduled for this occasion include marching bands, sparkling antique cars, precision equestrian units, festive horse-drawn carriages, and carolers spreading Christmas cheer along the 1.59-mile parade route. The night will conclude with Santa and Mrs. Claus appearing on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float.
With this lineup already set, a sold-out crowd is expected for this year’s “Holiday Magic”-themed parade, according to a release. Attendees are encouraged to purchase reserved “Street Seats,” which start at $15 for children and $17.50 for adults. Street Seats are available for sale now online.
The master of ceremonies for this event, so to speak, will be Dykes, who just in his second year as TCU’s head football coach has already taken the Horned Frogs farther than any Texas college football team has ever gone — the College Football Playoffs National Championship. To top all of this off, Dykes will also serve as a representative of TCU in honor of it Sesquicentennial.
“TCU is proud to sponsor the Grand Marshal float in recognition of the community and people that have supported TCU’s mission for 150 years,” TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr., said in a release. “Coach Dykes is a great representation of the Horned Frog spirit and we are proud he will lead the beloved Parade of Lights.”
Fort Worth-based GM Financial has also renewed its commitment to the parade for the sixth year in a row, which will continue its title sponsorship through 2027.
“GM Financial’s culture is based on strengthening the communities where we live and work, which aligns with the Parade of Lights’ mission to bring people together in the spirit of community,” says Dan Berce, President and CEO of GM Financial. “As the largest employer in downtown Fort Worth, we are pleased to help preserve the special tradition of the Parade of Lights in the city we’ve been proud to call home for more than 30 years.” There are many opportunities to participate in the 2023 GM Financial Parade of Lights, including:
- Reserve “Street Seats”: While the parade is free and open-to-the-public, attendees can get the most illuminating experience by purchasing reserved tickets, or “Street Seats,” in advance. Tickets start at $15 for children and $17.50 for adults, and are available for purchase now. Visit https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-information/street-seats/ to view all reserved seating options and discounted packaged ticket prices.
- Enter a Float: Applications are open until Friday, September 29, for those interested in entering a float in the 2023 parade. Entry forms and rates can be found at https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/participate/.
- Volunteer: Hundreds of volunteers are what make the parade a success year-after-year, with opportunities available in hospitality, merchandise sales, stand and seating attendants, staging areas, entry check-in, and more. Volunteers can sign up online here: https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/participate/volunteer/.
- Become a Sponsor: As a 501c (3) non-profit organization, Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. seeks the support of corporate sponsors and partners to help maintain the free and high-quality production of the parade for the Fort Worth community. Sponsorship opportunities, levels, and benefits can be found online, here: https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/sponsors/.
“Amidst an incredible year of commemorating our past and shaping our future, TCU experienced several landmark accomplishments, including a historic year in athletics program,” says Boschini, Jr. “TCU is proud to sponsor the Grand Marshal float in recognition of the community and people that have supported TCU’s mission for 150 years.”
