With Covid-19 precautions in place, Yankton and Tabor held their annual parades of lights this December. Yankton held their Holiday Festival of Lights on December 3rd at 6:00pm along an extended route in downtown Yankton. Tabor held their Parade of Lights on December 5th at 6:00pm through Tabor.

The theme for the Yankton Holiday Festival of Lights was Santa’s Workshop. There were 47 floats in the parade and a route full of people to see the lights. The parade was also broadcast live on the Holiday Festival of Lights Facebook page.

Yankton parade organizer Brittany LaCroix said, “2020 has been a challenging year for many. We are thankful that we are still able to host this event in a safe way.”

2020 was only the second year of the Tabor Parade of Lights. This year’s parade was full of holiday spirit but with added safety measures. Spectators were encouraged to watch the parade from their vehicles or social distance outside. There were approximately 25 floats in the Tabor Parade of Lights.

Organizer Ed Sedlacek said he wanted to hold the 2020 Parade of Lights because of the pandemic, not despite it. “We still need Christmas during COVID,” he said. “With the parade, we’re looking for positive attitudes during Christmas. We can have fun and enjoy ourselves while we stay safe.”
Sedlacek is already making plans for the 2021 Tabor Parade of Lights. You can tentatively mark for calendars for the first Saturday in December.

Bon Homme Yankton Electric constructed a gingerbread house that was hooked up to a candy cane power pole for both parades.