Fort Worth families brave cold as twinkling parade warms up downtown scene

Giovanni Fletcher and son Tristian Brown, 8, huddled closely together as strong winds blew across their faces in downtown Fort Worth. The family had waited on the corner of Taylor and West Weatherford streets for over an hour. 

“It’s cold,” Tristian said as he jumped up and down.  

Fletcher knew it wasn’t ideal weather to be outside, but she was prepared to brave it if it meant getting a front row view of one of her favorite holiday traditions: the GM Financial Parade of Lights.

The 43rd annual parade shined bright with more than 100 illuminated floats rolling alongside bands and performers marching through downtown streets. The Nov. 30 celebration was originally scheduled to light up last Sunday but was postponed due to expected rain storms. 

The Parade of Lights started at the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton streets before floats rolled along a nearly 2-mile route. Over 100,000 visitors gathered to watch, according to event organizers. 

Fletcher previously brought her older son to the parade, but this was her first time bringing Tristian. She wanted to expose her younger child to fun activities across the city, she said. 

“I try to broaden his experiences with ROTC and band and choir,” Fletcher said. “The parade brings back flashbacks for me and brings delight to not only my son’s face but all the other children’s faces too.” 

One parade float that brought smiles was a light-covered T-Rex from Dinosaur Land Children’s Museum, an educational exhibition in north Fort Worth. 

Museum founder Sarah Martinez Cantú felt a bit nervous when the parade started but was excited when she saw all the children filling the streets. This year was the second time Dinosaur Land participated in the parade, she said. 

“Everything we do is focused on kids in the community,” she said. 

Tristian smiled as floats passed. His favorite lighted entertainment included the marching bands and Texas Christian University float. 

“It was cool,” he said. 

Although the cold weather became a bit unbearable, Fletcher said she was happy to see her son have a good time and experience the holiday festivities. And for her, that’s what the parade was all about. 

David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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