Above: The trees in downtown Fairmont are lit up and ready for the Glows Parade, which will pass through on Friday, Nov. 19, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

FAIRMONT– Now that we’ve had our first taste of snowfall, it might be time to get in the holiday spirit. Luckily, the annual Glows Parade, which goes through downtown Fairmont, is coming up. It will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

Kandi Menne, office manager for the Fairmont Area chamber of Commerce, shared that this is the 31st year of the Glows Parade. She said that it always takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving and serves as a kick-off to the holiday season.

Like so many other activities, the glows parade was cancelled last year.

“We decided in light of other events cancelling, that the possibility of Covid transmission could be there and we didn’t want to be the event that caused an outbreak,” Menne said.

Menne said right now they have just over 40 entries signed up, but she expects more to trickle in over the next week. On average she said they have over 50 floats.

Of course, the floats are always festive. Menne said some of the floats have music, almost everybody hands out some type of candy or treat and many hand out literature about their cause.

“And lights, they definitely have to have lights,” Menne said with a laugh.

She said some of their regular participants are adding more vehicles to their floats this year, which will help make the parade more festive.

There are three different categories and each are judged. They are commercial, non-profit and church and best-glowing. One entry from each category will win $50 in chamber gift certificates.

Menne said the Glows Parade is often the first time that Santa appears, and this year is no different.

“There will be a meet and greet with Santa that starts at 4 p.m. at the Fairmont Opera House. It will be neat that kids can be downtown for that and maybe go shopping and get something to eat and then line up to watch the parade,” Menne said.

She said annually several churches and other businesses downtown have events in conjunction with the Glows Parade. Immanuel Lutheran Church always has chili and oyster stew and First Congregational United Church of Christ will also have hot cider and popcorn.

Menne said they extend the invitation to take part in the Glows Parade to organizations and businesses outside of Fairmont. It’s open to all of Martin County and she said they have had some groups from out of the county join as well.

“It’s a good way to promote your business and have fun,” Menne said.

The Glows Parade has traditionally been very well attended. Menne said even if it’s a cold, snowy and windy night, people still show up for the glows parade.

Any organization or business that wants to be in the Glows Parade can contact the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce at 235-5547.