Nearly 30 holiday floats twinkle their spirit during the 2023 Parade of Lights in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – In a colorful display of holiday cheer, nearly 30 parade floats adorned with twinkling lights made their way down Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes for the 2023 Parade of Lights on Monday.

The floats were decorated and entered into the parade by area businesses and organizations, and adults and kids alike braved the cold temperatures to view the festive displays.

Carrie Johnston, president of the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce, a chief sponsor of the event, said anytime you can get this many people downtown on a cold night is a “win” for the community.

“I love to see kids all bundled up,” said Johnston. “It seems like every year this is the coldest day in November, yet it brings so many smiles. Frozen smiles, but it brings a lot of smiles. And, of course, to fill our downtown on a Monday evening, what could be better.”

The evening also saw a s’more roasting station just inside the Washington Square Mall entrance, near La Barista, which allowed attendees to roast mini marshmallows over chafing burners.

Gerald Lunde, right, of Audubon, roasts mini marshmallows at a s’more station during the 2023 Parade of Lights in Detroit Lakes on Nov. 27, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM)

Another highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Detroit Lakes Christmas Tree in front of the city’s public library on the corner of Washington Avenue and Frazee Street.

Johnston added the parade also unofficially kicks-off a holiday season in Detroit Lakes with events, bazaars and community activities almost every day during the month of December.

“There are so many things going on, not only in downtown, but all throughout Detroit Lakes and throughout the area,” she said. “Shop local, think local. I don’t think it can get much better than finding Santa Claus around every corner. From free movies to holiday bazaars, there are really just so many things. Check our website, visitdetroitlakes.com, we have a huge calendar of events, lots of things to do between now through the end of the year and let’s just keep things going.”

In Detroit Lakes this weekend, Young Life will be continuing their Christmas Tree sale; a Christmas Market take place at the Barn in Dunvilla; a Holiday Bazaar will be held at Washington Square Mall; and Forest Edge Art Gallery in Vergas will be holding their Christmas Open House.

For more information, check the Detroit Lakes Chamber website at: https://visitdetroitlakes.com/events/calendar/

Youth volunteers smile for a group photo while the work at a s’more station during the 2023 Parade of Lights in Detroit Lakes on Nov. 27, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM)

The Detroit Lakes Christmas tree is officially lit outside the city’s public library during the 2023 Parade of Lights on Nov. 27, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM)