PATTY KRATOCHVIL’S FAMILY NAMED PARADE GRAND MARSHAL FOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON DEC. 6
Event will honor Kratochvil’s impact while bringing the community together for a cheerful holiday
Brookings, South Dakota – Downtown Brookings has chosen the family of Patty Kratochvil to lead the parade at the 29th annual Festival of Lights. Kratochvil, who passed away in November 2023, was a longtime business owner in Brookings. Her family’s participation as Grand Marshal is a meaningful tribute to her legacy.
“We are honoring her spirit and the impact she had on the downtown neighborhood,” said Kirsten Gjesdal, Executive Director of Downtown Brookings.
This year’s parade will continue the tradition of celebrating the season while recognizing Kratochvil’s contributions to the Brookings community.
The festivities will begin around 4 p.m. on Main Avenue with holiday crafts, treats and special activities at downtown businesses. Visitors also can meet Santa, take photos, and write letters to him. New at this year’s event, live reindeer will delight attendees of all ages from 5 to 7 p.m. near the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. At 6 p.m., the Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony will kick off in front of the Brookings Activity Center, 320 5th Ave.
KCountry 102.3 will air Christmas music during the event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. "Folks with cars parked along the parade route can crank the radio and roll the windows down to make the space extra cheery," Gjesdal said.
The parade will roll out at 7 p.m. at Main Avenue and 8th Street, with more than 30 floats lighting up the route. The floats with drive south on Main, turn east on 3rd Street, and finish by going north on 5th Avenue. Throughout the evening, visitors can also enjoy the Festival of Trees exhibit at the Brookings Arts Council, 524 4th St., and a holiday window decoration contest in the downtown neighborhood.
“It’s a time to spend an entire evening in Downtown Brookings celebrating with your family and friends, while local businesses offer really fun, family-friendly activities to help celebrate the season,” Gjesdal said.
This year’s Festival of Lights is made possible by downtown businesses and the support of generous sponsors, including Bowes Construction, Keri Westlund and Jenna Werpy – The Real Estate Sisters from Best Choice Real Estate, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, and Cubby’s Sports Bar and Grill.
Mark your calendars for Friday, Dec. 6, and head to Downtown Brookings for a night of sparkle and joy that’s perfect for the whole family. To participate or learn more about the festival’s activities, visit downtownbrookings.com.