Fantasy of Lights Parade to feature twist this year

Tempe's APS Fantasy of Lights Parade has become a tradition for the city, a tradition that will continue this year - with a twist.

As the parade rolls down each block of Mill Avenue this Saturday, the lights adorning the trees will light up section by section. Traditionally, the lights are turned on all at once before the parade starts.

"It'll create a more exciting experience," said the city's Casaundra Brown. "It'll just be more visual and exciting."

The parade will kick off at Mill Avenue and Third Street at 6:30 p.m. The procession will continue down Mill, turn on Seventh Street, take Ash Avenue back to Mill, finishing at the starting point.

The parade has become a holiday favorite for families around the Valley. This year marks the parade's 14th year.

"Especially here locally in Tempe, it's become a fun tradition. It's a very family-oriented event," she said. "It's a great way to spend the holidays, especially the weekend after Thanksgiving."

The parade will end at Centerpoint on Mill Plaza for the tree-lighting ceremony. Instead of one 60-foot tree, this year up to nine 20-foot trees will be lit, Brown said, creating a "garden of Christmas trees, with a more winter wonderland feel."

The tree lighting, followed by a fireworks finale over "A" Mountain, is set to begin about 7:15 p.m.

As in past years, the crowd will be dusted with snow during the tree lighting, Brown said. People donating at least one canned-food item can have free parking at the US Airways Parking Garage. The donations, collected by Kiwanis Club of Tempe, will help the underprivileged community during the holidays.