Sioux Falls Parade of Lights Extra Special for One Family

The 22nd annual Parade of Lights is Friday (November 29) in downtown Sioux Falls. This year's parade is going to be extra special for the Lebahn family and Brandon native Ben Jackson.

Ben is the inspiration behind annual fan-favorite float "The Snowball Express". Back in 2002, Ben was 7-years old and was living with bone cancer. His uncles David, Merlon & Frederick Lebahn wanted Ben to be able to be in the Parade of Lights. So even though he was in a full body cast from his chest down to his toes, Ben was gently placed in the train so he could be in the parade!

The Snowball Express is now known as The Lebahn Family Railroad and will be making its 11 appearance in the annual Parade of Lights. It has also played a part in numerous weddings, 4th of July celebrations and community celebrations over the years.

But this year, Ben Jackson, who is now an 18-year old cancer survivor, will walk in his very first Parade of Lights!

Come celebrate 11 years of inspiration!

The annual Parade of Lights starts at 7:30pm this Friday, with Grand Marshal Kris Stanton.

The route goes from 14th to 5th Street on Phillips Ave. Vendors will be selling hot chocolate before and during the parade and will even fill up your reusable, insulated mugs, making it a “green” holiday!

Here are road closures to keep in mind when going downtown for the parade:

5:15pm Closure:

- Main Avenue between 14th and 17th Streets
- Phillips Avenue between 14th and 18th Streets
- 17th Street between Phillips and Main Avenues

6:15pm Closure:

- 14th Street from Main to Philips Avenues
- Phillips Avenue from 14th to 5th Street
- 5th Street from Phillips to Main Avenues
- Main Avenue from 6th to 5th Street

Streets will reopen when the parade is over around 8:30 or 8:45pm.