On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Pueblo West Holiday in Lights Parade returned after a three-year hiatus, and thanks to the hard work and planning by Pueblo West Metro District employees and community partners, an estimated crowd of over 500 people attended the event.
"It was an awesome event," said Carol Cosby, Director of Pueblo West Parks and Recreation. "It was our first parade since 2019 because of pandemic restrictions, and we were pleased with how well the parade came together and how it was received by the community."
The parade was followed by activities at Civic Center Park, including free cookies and cocoa, a bonfire, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a community tree lighting followed by fireworks. Metro District employees and departments, as well partners from the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce, Bank of the San Juans, Sunstate Equipment and Aspen Steel and Fabrication, ensured the parade's success.
"This event was successful because of the work put in by not only in the Parks and Recreation Department, but from employees throughout the District as well as our community partners," Cosby said. "With such a delay since our last parade, it was like we were starting over from scratch but everybody did a great job planning and executing the event."
Assistance was provided by the Pueblo West Metro District Streets and Roads Department, Engineering Department, the Utilities Collection and Distribution team, Fire Department, as well as the Parks and Recreation Department to handle such duties as float construction, road closures, bonfire management, staging, and fireworks.
The Holiday in Lights Parade is part of a new community events initiative by the Pueblo West Metro District. In 2023, the Metro District, with support from community partners and endorsed by the Pueblo West Metro Board, will hold numerous events, festivals, family activities and more.
