BEMIDJI -- The annual Night We Light parade and ceremony is back again this year, with a new leading organization.
For the past 19 years, lights next to the iconic Paul and Babe the Blue Ox statues would be turned on during the Night We Light ceremony by city staff and later the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce.
This year, the Bemidji Jaycees are stepping up to lead the annual holiday celebration, which takes place on Friday.
Things get started with an ornament crafts event for kids from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Least of These Boutique, 310 Fourth St. Ornaments made during the event will be hung on the Christmas tree in the Bemidji Visitors Center.
Following the crafts session, the parade that has been accompanied the Night We Light ceremony will get organized. Check-in is at 4 p.m. and motorized units get in place at 5 p.m. Walking units will get into place at 5:30 p.m. and the parade will begin at 6 p.m.
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The parade is staged in the Beltrami County Services building parking lot and starts at the lot's north entrance and goes east on Eighth Street, then south on Beltrami Avenue, west on Third Street and will end at the intersection of Irvine Avenue. The lighting ceremony will be held after the parade. There also will be carol singing and food trucks on scene at the ceremony, and awards will be given out for the best floats in the parade.
The Beltrami County Historical Society also will be hosting a Night We Light bonfire at the History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information on the Night we Light event, visit the Bemidji Jaycees website at www.bemidjijaycees.com .
