Friday evening brought bitter cold wind to Manhattan, but hundreds turned out anyway for the 21st Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade. The route started at 3rd and Poyntz, turned onto 11th, then ended on Fremont at City Park. The nearly 70 entries decorated their vehicles and walking members in lights. USD 383 was represented throughout the parade. Manhattan High School’s Marching Band played many holiday songs while glide-stepping in formation.
A school bus decked out in lights was filled with bus drivers throwing candy to the crowd. Mayor Linda Morse appreciates the awareness the parade brings to the Flint Hills Breadbasket, and also the donations brought by the community. Morse loves a parade, saying the louder the better. She was not disappointed. She rode in Manhattan’s vintage Fire Truck, not far behind Manhattan High’s Marching Band.
Loud parade entries included other emergency vehicles from Manhattan and Riley County Fire Departments, Riley County EMS, and other agencies. Behind them motorcylces revved their engines. The crowd was even loud, especially for Manhattan High’s State Champion Football Team who was greeted by cheers and shouts of congratulations.
Winning Parade Entries include: Big Brothers Big Sisters took Best Youth; Prince and Long Trucking won Spirit of the Breadbasket; Icon Structures had the Best Use of Lights; Bike MHK for Best in Bicycles; Manhattan Catholic School won Best Walking Group; and Manhattan Area Technical College took the Mayor’s Trophy.
