File:2017 Flagstaff Holiday of Lights Parade (38257775054).jpg

Smokey Bear joined Coconino National Forest employees and family members on our parade float at the Flagstaff Holiday of Lights, December 9, 2017. The crew decorated Engine 481 and the 1925 Dodge Brothers truck with holiday lights at the Flagstaff Ranger District, then headed to the staging area on Elm Street north of downtown Flagstaff.

Smokey greeted children with hugs and the crew socialized with local residents while waiting for the parade to begin at 6:00 p.m. As the sun set, parade floats started lighting up in expectation of the main event. Parade floats started heading down Beaver Street towards downtown. Since the Forest Service float was one of the last floats in the parade, the crew was treated to seeing most of the other incredible entries, including a marching band, a Chinese dragon, flaming baton twirlers, and lots and lots of beautiful holiday lights!

The parade moved down Beaver Street into historic downtown Flagstaff. Smokey Bear was greeted by endless cheers, and the crowd shouted out greetings like "happy holidays!" and "thank you for all your hard work!" The parade turned on Aspen Street, moving past historic locations like the Orpheum Theater, Weatherford Hotel, and the Hotel Monte Vista. The parade turned up San Francisco Street to make its way out of the downtown area.