80,000 People Expected For Holiday Parade

About 80,000 people are expected to flood downtown Palm Springs for the Festival of Lights Parade this evening.

The parade, now in its 19th year, is set for 5:45 p.m. along Palm Canyon Drive, city spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell said.

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The parade’s grand marshal, “Project Runway” runner-up Michael Costello, and local philanthropist Jackie Lee Houston will lead the procession, followed by floats and Santa Claus, Blaisdell said.

In addition, what is being billed as the world’s largest farm tractor will take part in the parade, she said.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., ice skating, face-painting and holiday arts and crafts will be available in Frances Stevens Park, 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive.