COLUMBUS, Ind. — Thousands of residents and plenty of holiday spirit filled the downtown Columbus streets for the Festival of Lights parade and Thomasson, Thomasson, Long & Guthrie’s QMIX Christmas Musical Fireworks, sponsored by Columbus Regional Health, Summers Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, and the Columbus Downtown Merchants “Not So Silent Night.”
The festivities included an appearance from NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, a fireworks show, Santa, and a close call. During the parade, a woman tripped and fell under a float, but she escaped with only minor injuries.
About 100 parade entries provided a smorgasbord for the senses. Local fire departments, sports cars, construction equipment, police cars and even a “grounded” hot air balloon bellowing flames into the sky warmed guests along the way. After the parade, people were treated to another spectacular QMIX Christmas Musical Fireworks show, choreographed to Christmas and Holiday favorites.