BELLE FOURCHE—There is a long-standing tradition in Belle Fourche: the day after Thanksgiving is made for small-town celebration! Not only is it the ramp-up to the holiday season and Black Friday, but it’s also time for the magical Parade of Lights!
This year, businesses and organizations came together to make it an unforgettable day for all in attendance. Black Friday shopping kicked off first thing in the morning, with an emphasis on supporting small businesses all day long. Starting around 4 p.m., Belle Silver Lining hosted a Chili Feed at the Community Hall. Musical guests, the Cowboy Band, performed, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand for pictures.
At the Tri-State Museum, the Center of the Nation Business Association (CoNBA) sponsored Carriage Rides that traveled around town. CoNBA accepted free-will donations for the horse-drawn rides on behalf of the Compassion Cupboard.
Several downtown businesses offered cookies and hot cocoa to warm up the cold attendees before, during, and after the Parade of Lights. Around 5 p.m., Pearson Block Candy Shop offered cookies and cocoa for anyone wanting to stop by. SML Southside Conoco stayed open to offer a free cup of hot cocoa. During the parade, free hot chocolate was provided in front of COWBOYS TOO, and following the parade, the Connection Church Belle Fourche served hot cocoa, hot cider, and cookies on the way to the tree-lighting ceremony.
Eager business and parade participants began lining up for the Parade of Lights around 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department on National Street. At 6 p.m., the bright, colorful floats began the trek around the parade route, starting at the Fire Department, then going north on 8th Avenue all the way to State Street, turning left on State Street, and following the street to the stoplight.
Since the parade happens after dark, in order to keep everyone safe, floats were asked not to throw candy. They could hand it out if they wanted to walk along the route with the floats.
After the last float passed, the crowd was invited to walk over to Durr Park for the lighting of the City Christmas tree.
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