Lights Fantastic Parade is Saturday

An excellent way to enjoy the holiday season is the annual Lights Fantastic Parade in Carbondale, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.

The parade route begins at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Grand Avenue, and proceeds north on Illinois Avenue to Jackson Street. The parade turns east onto Jackson Street and then south onto Washington Street, ending south of Main Street.

Carbondale police advise that parking is not allowed on the parade route after 3 p.m., Saturday, and that relocation tows of vehicles that remain on the parade route begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Grand Avenue, between Wall Street and Illinois Avenue, will be closed to all traffic between 3 p.m. and the end of the parade, at about 9 p.m.

Because of the limited amount of parking available near the parade route, police suggest that visitors park at the University Mall parking lot, the Murdale Shopping Center, the SIUC Student Center or the SIU Arena parking lots. Shuttle bus service will be provided to and from the parade route.

Handicapped parking is available in the Town Square for those who need to watch the parade from their vehicles, and advance arrangements for that are available by contacting the parade committee.