SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) – Everyone loves a colorful holiday parade, and this year, Sioux City is making sure everyone can enjoy the traditional kickoff to the holiday season.
Downtown Partners has teamed up with Siouxland District Health and Oak View Group to make the annual Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade more inclusive.
“Everyone should be able to come out and enjoy the events that we do in our community,” said Chad Smidt, OVG general manager at the Sioux City Convention Center. “At the Convention Center, at the Tyson [Events Center], downtown on 4th Street, wherever it is, we need to make sure that we’re providing opportunities for everyone to feel included and part of our community.”
This year’s parade will include a quiet area in the lobby of the Sioux City Convention Center and a sensory-friendly room with items for neurodivergent individuals. The parade will also have an accessible viewing area so those in wheelchairs can have an unobstructed view of the colorful Christmas floats.
“Most people can come stand on the street and be able to see the parade, the items as they’re going through,” Siouxland District Health health promotions specialist Angela Drent said. “Individuals who have to view from a seated position, for whatever reason, this creates that opportunity for them to be able to view the parade unobstructed.”
The Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade will take place Monday, Nov. 25 at 6:15 p.m.