{"id":416594,"date":"2025-12-01T05:54:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T05:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/416594\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T05:54:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T05:54:40","slug":"fort-worth-families-brave-cold-as-twinkling-parade-warms-up-downtown-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/416594\/","title":{"rendered":"Fort Worth families brave cold as twinkling parade warms up downtown scene"},"content":{"rendered":"

Giovanni Fletcher and son Tristian Brown, 8, huddled closely together as strong winds blew across their faces in downtown Fort Worth. The family had waited on the corner of Taylor and West Weatherford streets for over an hour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s cold,\u201d Tristian said as he jumped up and down.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fletcher knew it wasn\u2019t ideal weather to be outside, but she was prepared to brave it if it meant getting a front row view of one of her favorite holiday traditions: the GM Financial Parade of Lights.<\/p>\n

\"(MariaTristian Brown and his mother Giovanni Fletcher arrive early to get a good view of the GM Financial Parade of Lights in downtown Fort Worth on Nov. 30, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

The 43rd annual parade shined bright with more than 100 illuminated floats rolling alongside bands and performers marching through downtown streets. The Nov. 30 celebration was originally scheduled to light up last Sunday but was postponed due to expected rain storms<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Parade of Lights started at the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton streets before floats rolled along a nearly 2-mile route. Over 100,000 visitors gathered to watch, according to event organizers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fletcher previously brought her older son to the parade, but this was her first time bringing Tristian. She wanted to expose her younger child to fun activities across the city, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to broaden his experiences with ROTC and band and choir,\u201d Fletcher said. \u201cThe parade brings back flashbacks for me and brings delight to not only my son\u2019s face but all the other children\u2019s faces too.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"(MariaPeople gather on West Weatherford Street to watch the GM Financial Parade of Lights in downtown Fort Worth on Nov. 30, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

\"(MariaLauri Winter holds Olivia Carter while watching the GM Financial Parade of Lights in downtown Fort Worth on Nov. 30, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

One parade float that brought smiles was a light-covered T-Rex from Dinosaur Land Children\u2019s Museum, an educational exhibition in north Fort Worth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Museum founder Sarah Martinez Cant\u00fa felt a bit nervous when the parade started but was excited when she saw all the children filling the streets. This year was the second time Dinosaur Land participated in the parade, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything we do is focused on kids in the community,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"(MariaSarah Martinez Cant\u00fa puts finishing touches on the Dinosaur Land float for the GM Financial Parade of Lights in downtown Fort Worth on Nov. 30, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

\"(MariaMembers of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce carry a giant inflatable pi\u00f1ata at the GM Financial Parade of Lights in downtown Fort Worth on Nov. 30, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

Tristian smiled as floats passed. His favorite lighted entertainment included the marching bands and Texas Christian University float.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was cool,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although the cold weather became a bit unbearable, Fletcher said she was happy to see her son have a good time and experience the holiday festivities. And for her, that\u2019s what the parade was all about.\u00a0<\/p>\n

David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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