Jamestown Holiday Dazzle Parade returns Friday, community preparations and safety plans urged

The Holiday Dazzle Parade is set to light up Jamestown on Friday night, bringing floats, community groups, and holiday crowds downtown. The event will begin at 7 p.m. from McElroy Park and travel a route that concludes near First Street West on First Avenue. Organizers say more than 40 entries have registered and that additional participants are expected before the registration deadline on Nov. 25.

Shirley Neumiller Jackson will serve as grand marshal for the parade. Organizers will present trophies and $100 cash prizes in several categories, including Most Original Theme, Most Outstanding Amateur Built, Most Outstanding Civic or Nonprofit, and Best Dazzle. Trophies will be presented after the parade at an after party at Shady's at the Gladstone Inn and Suites, where cookies and hot beverages will be available and Santa will be on site for photos and greetings.

For Stutsman County residents, the parade is a familiar seasonal tradition that draws families, civic groups, and local businesses into the downtown corridor. The event provides a community gathering space and can offer an economic boost to nearby restaurants, hotels, and retailers as visitors arrive to watch the procession and attend evening activities. The decision to host the award ceremony and refreshments at a local hotel underscores links between civic celebration and local hospitality businesses.

Public health and safety implications accompany any large gathering, particularly during winter weather. The parade will increase foot traffic along the downtown route and create demand for crowd management, emergency medical response, and accessible viewing areas for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Community leaders and organizers have an opportunity to ensure equitable access by designating accessible viewing spots, providing space for caregivers, and communicating clear information about restroom facilities, seating, and warming locations.

Organizers also have an opportunity to coordinate with local health and emergency services to plan for potential needs ranging from first aid to hypothermia prevention on cold nights. Parade sponsors and participating organizations are listed by event organizers, and those materials typically include contact information for registration and volunteer coordination. Residents who plan to attend should be aware of road closures and allow extra travel time for parking and pedestrian traffic.

The parade format that rewards creativity among amateur builders and civic groups highlights the role of community organizations in civic life, and the cash prizes may help smaller groups offset costs of participation. As Jamestown prepares for Friday night, the event will serve both as a seasonal celebration and as a reminder of the importance of inclusive planning, public health readiness, and support for local businesses as the community comes together for the holidays.