CARBONDALE, IL. (NewsFirst) – The 32nd Annual Lights Fantastic Parade in downtown Carbondale on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The Carbondale Police Department in collaboration with the parade organizers say the parade begins on South Illinois Avenue at Mill Street and travels north on Illinois Avenue around the Town Square on Jackson and Washington Streets. The parade ends on South Washington Street at East Main Street. To ensure the safety and smooth flow of the parade, temporary detours will be implemented.
Road Closures and Detours:
Certain streets along the parade route will be temporarily closed during the event. Motorists are advised to follow the detour signs and directions provided by Carbondale Police officers.
Roads in the immediate area of the Mill Street underpass will close at 3:00 p.m. to allow for parade entry staging. Detours of Main Street, Walnut Street, and Illinois Avenue will begin at 5:00 p.m. Parade-goers are encouraged to arrive early and avoid traffic congestion. Roads will open promptly after the parade ends at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Parking Information and Handicapped Parking and Parade Viewing:
Parking for disabled persons who wish to view the parade from a vehicle will be available in the northeast corner of the Town Square Parking Lot at the intersection of East Jackson Street and North Washington Street.
There is available parking in all of the lots surrounding the downtown area.
On Street Parking – Courtesy Towing:
All parking meters on Jackson Street from Illinois Avenue to Washington Street and meters on Washington Street from Jackson Street to Monroe Street will be covered with “No Parking” bags at 3:00 p.m. No parking signs will be posted at all other available parking areas on the parade route. Any vehicle remaining at the bagged parking locations or anywhere on the parade route will be towed to the Police Department visitor lot at 501 South Washington Street starting at 4:00 p.m. at no cost to the owner.
Shuttle Bus Stops:
Free shuttle rides will be provided to the downtown parade route every 30 minutes between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Shuttles will resume after the parade is over until 8:30 p.m. The west side shuttle pick up will be at the Murdale Shopping Center (in front of the Neighborhood Co-op) with the drop off located at the intersection of West Oak Street and North Illinois Avenue. The east side shuttle pick up will be at the University Mall (north side at the Grand Court entrance) with the drop off near Veteran’s Memorial Plaza located at the intersection of South Washington Street and East Main Street.
Parade Safety Tips:
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and to find a safe viewing spot along the parade route.
Keep a safe distance from moving vehicles and follow instructions from Carbondale Police officers and event staff.
Report any suspicious activity to the nearest police officer or call 911.
