Board weighs shifting Parade of Lights to earlier start time to boost attendance

At the July 2 workshop Vice Mayor No presented a parks advisory committee recommendation to change the annual Parade of Lights name and move the start time from 5 p.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid bitter cold and encourage families to stay in the park longer.

"I just want to be clear that this was 100% my idea," Vice Mayor No said, describing a unanimous parks committee vote and noting the later tree lighting would still occur in darkness. Supporters said an earlier start could increase attendance and allow families more comfortable viewing and participation in the skating rink and other park activities.

Opponents cautioned that the event's uniqueness comes from being a night parade. "My preference is still a night parade just because it's unique to Lever," one board member said, adding the board could adopt whatever the consensus is. Staff showed a preliminary banner design and said changes are not final; the board discussed logistics including float décor, candy distribution rules and the skating rink schedule.

No formal motion or vote was recorded in the workshop; the board asked staff to return with any required procedural steps to implement a time or name change.