The Mad Bomber Run is celebrating its sixth year this weekend, and with it comes another tradition that has quickly grown into a favorite: the Parade of Lights.
Damaris Kunkler, program director at Thrive Allen County, said the parade grew rapidly in its first two years and she anticipated the third one this year to be even bigger.
“Last time, I’m sure there was well over 100 kids,” she said.
Kids from all over the area deck out their bicycles in glow-in-the-dark gear to participate in the parade. There are prizes to be won for the best presentations, but just participating in the parade, itself, is a huge draw for kids, she said.
“The Parade of Lights is so much fun. The kids have taken it and they’re just so adorable out there,” she said.
The parade features local heroes, such as the National Guard, Iola Police, and “everybody with lights on their vehicles, basically.”
Kunkler said they hope to see the parade continue to grow each year.
“We would love to have a glow-in-the-dark float,” she said.
The parade begins at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Glowing items will be available for sale at the registration table, but there are also items available locally at Walmart or online at places like extremeglow.com.
