Thousands turn out for 'spectacular' parade

Boy Scouts have a corner on the market at Sixth and Main

By Kayla Gahagan, Journal staff | Sunday, November 25, 2007

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Sixth and Main. It's the place to be during the Rapid City Festival of Lights Parade. At least, that's what Boy Scout Troop 131 members say.

Starting several hours before the Saturday evening parade, the scouts popped popcorn, mixed hot chocolate and brewed coffee to sell to the thousands of onlookers milling Main Street before the annual float parade.

They've been using the event as a fundraiser for nine years, and they found the perfect spot at the corner of Sixth and Main streets four years ago. According to troop member Dana Hicks, it's the best place to sell -- and view the floats. Zach Lewis agreed.

"You're guaranteed a chance to see," he said, shrugging.

The sidewalks are packed every year, said Festival of Lights co-founder Sue McCormack, which is something she got to see from her seat in the parade this year as one of two grand marshals, alongside fellow co-founder Carol Brown.

"We felt a little out of our element," McCormack said, laughing. "We're used to being in the thick of it."

The parade celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and offered crowds its first live band, the 100-piece Wayne State College marching band, which led the parade.

"We were really excited to have Wayne State here," she said.

The floats that followed were equally impressive, she added.

"The floats were spectacular," she said. "The community goes all out."

Brown agreed.

"Everybody seemed to be a little more competitive this year," she said.

For Lori Baldwin, who was on the float for Court Appointed Special Advocates, it was a way to share with the community.

"It was incredible how many people were out," she said. "It's a great way to get exposure."

For the Boy Scout troop, all the hard work happens before the parade. Crowds gather long before it's time to start, and a line forms as it gets colder.

Troop Committee Chairman Kevin Lewis took orders and instructed the scouts, "Four hot chocolates please, four hot chocolates."

Amanda Neiman ordered popcorn and hot chocolate from the troop and made her way to a set of bleachers.

"We've lived here forever," she said. "When the Parade of Lights comes, it's Christmas."

Troop members said that by the time the floats make their way down the street, they've sold a couple hundred dollars' worth of snacks, all the Main Street business lights are out, and the crowd is intent on one thing: "Then, everybody's watching the parade," Hicks said.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com