Chandlerites celebrate the holidays downtown

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Chandler city leaders estimate between 12,000 and 13,000 people turned out for the Dec. 7 Parade of Lights and the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree.

Performances from dance teams, marching bands and others highlighted the parade, which flowed through downtown.

The tree lighting, held in the west end of A.J. Chandler Park, included an exciting 10-second countdown.

This year’s tree is 35 feet tall, 20 feet wide and uses almost 1,000 tumbleweed plants.

It's covered in 65 pounds of glistening glitter, 25 gallons of white paint and 20 gallons of fire retardant.

The tree is wrapped in more than 1,200 LED lights. The Tumbleweed Tree debuted in 1957, making 2024 its 68th year.

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Chandler City Council member Angel Encinas smiles and waves during the Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

The Junk Brothers’ entry included an inflatable Max, the Grinch’s dog, during the Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

A Lions Club float was part of Chandler’s Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, left, and City Council members Mark Stewart and Matt Orlando wave during the Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

Between 12,000 and 13,000 people attended all or part of Chandler’s Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree lighting on Dec. 7, 2024.

The Colt Marching Band from Casteel High School, part of Chandler Unified’s district, marched in the Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

Many dance studios, including The Platform, marched in Chandler’s Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

It’s tough to imagine a modern American holiday parade without a Polar Express entry. Chandler’s Dec. 7 Parade of Lights was no exception.

Members of Scout Troop 283 marched in Chandler’s Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree lighting on Dec. 7, 2024.

Many elementary schools, including Carlson, were represented in Chandler’s Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

The Grinch apparently called for the “shotgun” seat in this truck entry in Chandler’s Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree lighting on Dec. 7, 2024.

Chandler’s Public Libraries had an entry in the city’s Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

A woman and child pose for a photo after the Chandler’s Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree lighting on Dec. 7, 2024.

The Santan Elementary School Student Council marched in Chandler’s Parade of Lights on Dec. 7, 2024.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.