Marchers sought for Festival of Lights Parade

Volunteers are needed to spread holiday cheer at the 31^st annual Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade Dec. 5 in downtown Colorado Springs.

Brad Bayer, executive director, Department of Student Life and Leadership, encouraged faculty, staff, students and alumni to show UCCS pride by marching at the front of the annual downtown event. UCCS is the parade’s grand marshal which means being first in line.

UCCS was selected as marshal in recognition of the university’s 50^th anniversary. In 2014, UCCS began 50^th anniversary celebrations by participating in the Festival of Lights Parade.

“Our goal is to have 500 mountain lions participate,” Bayer said. “Let’s complete this year of celebration and share our school pride with the broader Colorado Springs community.”

Clyde, the mountain lion mascot, will participate in the parade as well the university’s pep band and Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak. A float is also planned. Participants will receive red UCCS tee shirts and other giveaways.

Those who wish to participate in the parade should arrive at St. Vrain and Tejon Streets by 4:45 p.m. Dec. 5. Bayer asked those who are interested in marching to email him at [email protected] by Nov. 20. About 350 people have already volunteered.

This spring, more than 300 faculty, staff and students participated in the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade where the university’s anniversary was also highlighted.

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