Sneak peek: Behind the scenes of the iconic APS Electric Light Parade in Phoenix
The APS Electric Light Parade has been the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in Phoenix since the late '80s and this year it's honoring its beginnings by going totally neon.
For 36 years, the Electric Light Parade has been lighting up the streets of downtown Phoenix and is a beloved family tradition for many. This year it's on Saturday, Dec. 2.
"I have been attending this parade since it started," said Susan Mulligan, APS events representative. "My mom and I went, then I took my daughters and now I get to be part of it with APS.
"So, for me, it's how I start the holidays. I know if I'm at the light parade, it gets me excited for the season."
More: How to see the 2023 APS Light Parade and avoid the street closures in Phoenix
When did the APS Electric Light Parade start?
It began as the Fiesta of Light Parade in the late 1980s before changing its name to the Electric Light Parade. It has followed the same general route ever since, with just a slight detour when the Valley Metro light rail was installed.
"Now that it's the 36th year, it's becoming generational," said Adam Waltz, public information officer at the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. "You grew up going to it and now you have kids who have kids that are going and so that is really cool that we are in that phase of the parade as well."
What floats will be in the 2023 APS Electric Light Parade?
Leaning into its '80s roots, this year's parade will be all about neon. Here are a few float themes:
APS apprentices have put together a gingerbread house with a replica of a vintage light pole from downtown Phoenix.
Another float includes a giant slide, an elf doing a cannonball and a cascade of bubbles.
A fully decked-out vintage fire truck will roll along the parade route.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the floats, marching bands and and other performers will light up the streets.
"It's fun to walk the course because you do put all this work in and then you see people lined up 15 deep and the smiles and the little kids who are just beside themselves jumping up and down," said Mulligan.
Who is the 2023 APS light parade grand marshal?
Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke is this year's Electric Light Parade grand marshal.
Stanke was Miss Wisconsin before she won the Miss America crown and is studying nuclear engineering at the University of Wisconsin.
Earlier this year, Stanke visited the Palo Verde Generating Station power plant near Tonopah in the West Valley to see the nation's largest provider of nuclear energy. During her visit, she was asked to be a part of the parade and immediately jumped on board.
"She's an inspiration to women who are pursuing STEM careers and is a big proponent for nuclear power and the parade is actually on world nuclear energy day," said Mulligan.
Behind the scenes at the APS Electric Light Parade
The Phoenix parks and recreation team along with APS work year-round to bring the parade to life.
Thousands of hours of creative planning and work go into the event, Waltz said. It starts heating up in the summer before coming to a head in the weeks leading up to the parade.
All the floats are created by local people. There are few design limitations, so people's imaginations run wild with the theme every year.
"The guys who put (the float with the elf cannonballing) together are special operations guys so they love it," said Waltz. "Last year they did this aquatics float and this year they're like, 'How can we do it better?'
"Everybody who's a part of this is always thinking about how they can do better."
What is the route for the APS Electric Light Parade?
The parade begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Bethany Home Road and Central Avenue. It travels southeast to Seventh Street and Indian School Road.
The route is just under 3 miles long.
How long is the APS Electric Light Parade?
It takes about one hour to watch the parade from start to finish.
APS Electric Light Parade street closures
The following roads will be closed from 5 to 11 p.m. Dec. 2 for the Electric Light Parade:
Central Avenue: From Camelback Road to Bethany Home Road.
Seventh Street: From Indian School Road to Osborn Road.
Camelback Road: From First Avenue to Seventh Street.
Tips for APS lights parade spectators
The APS Electric Light Parade is a rain or shine event, so dress accordingly. The temperature will likely be in the 50s with a 5% chance of rain when the parade starts, so you'll want a coat or blanket and a hat.
"Last year it was raining but the parade goes on, which is kind of cool because the way the light bounces off the raindrops looks really cool," said Waltz.
Mulligan recommended packing plenty of snacks and activities for kids while they wait for the parade to start.
Waltz suggested walking or taking the Valley Metro light rail to your preferred viewing location to reduce traffic congestion.
"We're just so excited it's here," said Waltz. "It's such a fun event and you grind all year, you get through the summer and put all this work into it and then it's just such a fun and amazing event. It's like the unofficial re-jumpstart of the season."
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How to see the APS Electric Light Parade 2023
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.
Where: From Central and Montebello avenues to Seventh Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix.
Admission: Free.
Details: phoenix.gov.
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: APS Electric Light Parade 2023: Sneak peek of this year's floats
