Manhattan Mayor Karen McCulloh waves to onlookers on Poyntz Avenue during the Mayor’s Spirit of the Holidays Parade Friday evening. (Staff photos by Brady Bauman)
The Mayor’s Spirit of the Holidays Parade enjoyed mild temperatures and a big crowd Friday night in Manhattan.
The parade began down Poyntz Avenue, went through Aggieville and ended with remarks from Mayor Karen McCulloh at Triangle Park, where the Christmas tree there was lit.
“This one of the fun things you get to do when you’re mayor, and I think this is the funnest,” McCulloh said after the tree lighting.
Onlookers enjoy the parade in Aggieville Friday night.
The parade also featured both the Kansas State University and Manhattan High School marching bands, decorative floats, bicyclists, Santa Claus and lots and lots of Christmas lights.
The Mayor’s Trophy for best float was awarded to Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard from Fort Riley.
Erik on a shelf? KMAN’s Erik Stone announces floats and other parade submissions from the top of the Varney’s sign Friday night.
McCulloh said the parade is a good time for the Little Apple to come together.
“It’s a chance to celebrate the joyous part of the holidays, get together and have a tradition,” she said. “Cities and towns need to have those traditions.”
The mayor also said it’s a time to think about those in need, too.
“This also a time when some people are alone and some people don’t have adequate food,” she said. “This is a time to make sure we care about everybody in our city.”
Donations for the Flint Hills Breadbasket were also taken during the parade.
Sarah Tychnowitz of Manhattan poses for a picture while on Santa’s lap in Triangle Park Friday night.
The parade begins looking down Poyntz Avenue towards the Manhattan Town Center.
