Attractions

New Ulm Parade of Lights

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

Many communities around the U.S. have traditional holiday lights parades, and New Ulm, Minnesota, is no exception.  Held on the Friday after Thanksgiving, its Parade of Lights is the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

While the lights and garlands may be the same from city to city, each community’s parade is unique in showcasing the heritage and businesses of the area.  So, to go along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nativity scenes and snowmen, New Ulm’s Parade of Lights had these unique offerings this year:

Grand Marshals for the parade were Hermann the German and his wife, Thusnelda.

Hermann the German and Thusnelda at New Ulm Parade of Lights

A cannon and Civil War reenactors from the New Ulm Battery, a Civil War Era horse-drawn artillery unit.

New Ulm Battery at Parade of Lights

A large lighted cow, from AMPI, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of butter.

AMPI Cow at New Ulm Parade of Lights

Replicas of the Glockenspiel and Hermann Monument, along with the Narren greeting parade-goers.

Glockenspiel, Hermann Monument, and the Narren

A scene with a stone fireplace, courtesy of Artstone, a manufacturer of stone products.

Artstone at Parade of Lights

A lighted pontoon boat, very appropriate for a parade float in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Pontoon at New Ulm Parade of Lights

A replica of the Wanda Gag House.  New Ulm native Wanda Gag’s Millions of Cats is considered by many to be the first picture book.

Wanda Gag House at Parade of Lights

Did you attend any holiday parades this year?  What unique things were represented?