Electric Light parade “green lit” to proceed this year

FORTUNA, Calif. (KIEM)-A popular Christmas light parade in Fortuna was cleared Monday by Humboldt County to proceed with their 20-year tradition this year on December 11th. 

Assistant Executive Director Berny McKenna with the Fortuna Business Improvement District is helping put the event together.

“Different organizations come together and light their trucks in the spirit of the holidays and its warm and fuzzy there’s all the people that come out to do, the parade, they are as excited as the spectators,” said McKenna.

The Al Gray Electric Lighted Paraded hosted by the Redwood Village Merchants Association will be a little different this year.

Parade participants on floats must all be from the same household or workplace to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Spectators are asked to remain in their vehicles and choose a large parking lot in Fortuna to watch the parade.

Masks are mandatory, to keep in-line with county-event guidelines.

All floats, tractors, trucks, bikes or scooters can participate, however – there’s a catch – all parade entries must be mobile, lighted and remain less than 12-feet high and 10-feet-wide.

Executive Director Diana Rios with FBID says, the number of entries has increased in recent years.

“A couple years ago, we use to have about six trucks that participated and last year we had thirty eight vehicles that participated in the lighted parade, so, it’s really grown,” she said. “So, we’re really excited about the opportunity to bring people back together in a really safe manner and then have something for the community.”

Organizers say, those not interested in wearing a mask, keeping six-feet-apart while in public and/or use hand sanitizer while in town are asked not to enter the light parade.

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