INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
The APS Electric Light Parade will travel along 2.3 miles of Phoenix streets on Saturday, Dec. 3, so planning to attend and picking the right spot to view the event will take some thought.
“Light Up the Night” begins at Central and Montebello avenues, moves along south to Central and Camelback Road and then heads east along Camelback to 7th Street. It continues south on 7th Street before ending at Indian School Road.
Those who want to see the parade, which begins at 7 p.m., should arrive several hours early to deal with closed roads and stake out positions for the best views, event organizers said in a release, which offers these tips:
- Consider taking Valley Metro Light Rail to the event to avoid traffic congestion. The parade route runs near the Light Rail stop at Central Avenue, just south of Camelback Road.
- The parade is a rain-or-shine event. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
- Crowds for the parade have grown in recent years, and viewing spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Spectators often start arriving hours prior to parade time to reserve a spot, organizers said.
- Parking is available on city streets around the parade route and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots near the parade area often offer parking for a fee.
- Spectators should try to minimize and gather any trash and litter generated during the parade to ease post-event cleanup.
- Coolers are permitted, but alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
- Road closures and restrictions affect all parade areas hours before the event.
- Check out the parade route at Phoenix Parks and Recreation - APS Electric Light Parade.