Big Lake spirit shines bright at annual Parade of Lights

Neither blustery winds nor frigid temperatures could dampen the spirits of the drivers and participants of the 9th annual Big Lake Parade of Lights on December 20.

“We’re Big Lake, this weather isn’t going to stop us,” said Gena Weinberger, Vice President of the Big Lake Lions Club. And judging by the dozens of cars, trucks, side-by-sides, and other vehicles in the parade, the weather was indeed not going to interfere with spreading holiday cheer.

The parade began in 2016 with the Aurora Lions, but when they disbanded, the Big Lake Lions took the reins for the parade “They decided it was a good idea to have a parade, and just because we’re odd, we thought it’d be a good way to have Christmas cheer,” said Weinberger in the freezing, windy night while preparing for the parade.

“This is exciting to see so many people come out and support the community. It’s incredible,” said D.D. Wilson, President of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce, which had a brightly lit ATV in the parade.

Among the dazzling light displays around and atop the vehicles, to the gigantic Santa and other floating holiday characters, on display was creativity and ingenuity in the different displays as they made their way from Big Lake Elementary School to the roundabout before stopping at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center for ice skating, hot cocoa and one last chance to meet with Santa and make sure children were still on the nice list.

“This is fun and my kids love it,” said Brady Wascom, who brought his children to the parade, as he drove the truck from STR Alaska in Big Lake. “It’s a good time!”