Grand Junction Rocks the Holidays with a yearly downtown parade.

On December 6th, Grand Junction’s Downtown streets were filled with glistening Christmas lights, festive music, and brisk December weather. Thousands of community members were seen lining the street, gathered together like family coming together to experience Christmas joy. The annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Grand Junction is an annual tradition that is celebrated yearly. Each year, the theme changes, and participants in the parade have the option to be judged, based on spirit and crowd interactiveness. This year’s theme is Rock the Holidays which can be seen from many participants decorating as rockstars and playing guitars. Palisade High School’s Marching Band was very excited, and honored to participate, as they have been practicing Christmas songs as early as a week before Thanksgiving break. They will be performing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch”, and a Drum Cadence called, “Merry Christmas!” Jalivia Anthony, and Nora Wood, both freshmans at Palisade, actively involved as a member of Marching Band, were interviewed about the parade. Anthony and Wood both said they were able to play with 8th graders, which made things fun. Anthony said, “ Participating in the parade of lights is one of the last things we do in marching band as a full band, with the addition of 8th graders from Mount Garfield Middle School. This was clear when Wood said similar, “Participating in the parade of lights is special because we are joined  by 8th graders from Mount Garfield Middle School.” This year, the Parade, Rock the Holidays has blown off expectations in promises of being a memorable event, with the excitement of the holiday season approaching. The collaboration between PHS Marching Band, and the 8th graders from MGMS adds a special touch, making this year’s parade a truly unique experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the holidays.