The annual HollyDazzle Parade and Festival filled the streets of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks on Sunday, November 24, from noon to 7 p.m., drawing families and community members together to mark the start of the holiday season. This year’s event featured expanded activities, a larger parade, and the lighting of a new holiday tree in Town Square.
Holly Dazzle’s success stems from months of preparation and collaboration. “There is a committee made up of DDA staff and community members,” Svea Benefield, Vice President of Marketing for the Downtown Development Association, said. “We’re always thinking of all our events all year long, but I’d say it’s at least a five-month process to plan from start to finish.”
HollyDazzle relies heavily on support from local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers. “HollyDazzle wouldn’t happen without our sponsors, volunteers, and local business owners who open their doors for activities,” Benefield said. “It’s truly a group effort, just like all of our events are.”
Thanks to these sponsors, festivalgoers had access to free, family-friendly activities on both sides of the river, including holiday movie screenings, creative workshops, and hands-on demonstrations.
In the days leading up to the festival, volunteers from the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) gathered at the 701 Coworking Space to pack more than 1,200 s’more kits for attendees. Participants enjoyed pizza and camaraderie as they prepared the treats, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines HollyDazzle.
Both sides of the river were bustling with activities throughout the day. In East Grand Forks, families enjoyed a screening of “Elf” at River Cinema, while a winter market at the Spud Jr. featured holiday-themed products from local entrepreneurs. Carriage rides ran in front of Blue Moose Bar and Grill, and local law enforcement, emergency services, and the North Dakota National Guard showcased vehicles, allowing children to explore their interiors. A highlight included a National Guard demonstration where attendees used a computerized device to move mounted armaments on a military vehicle.
Downtown Grand Forks offered creative workshops, including cookie decorating, wreath making, and ornament crafting. Local businesses saw an outpouring of attendees, with hundreds of community members participating in activities throughout Town Square.
At Lotus Yoga, Altru Health System hosted a station where attendees created cards for future patients of its new building. Crayons, pens, and cards were provided, and children and adults shared holiday cheer whil] writing messages of encouragement.
With more attendees than last year, organizers ran out of supplies at several locations. At the Empire Arts Center, more than 370 participants joined activities before supplies were depleted, despite being open for only half the time as last year. Similarly, the 1,200 s’more kits were distributed before the parade began.
This year’s parade featured a record number of 36 floats, with local businesses and civic groups contributing illuminated displays. Despite the cold weather, families lined both sides of Demers Avenue to watch decorated trucks, holiday-themed characters, and volunteers passing out candy to children.
The festivities culminated with the Grand Forks mayor, Brandon Bochenski, lighting the new holiday tree in Town Square. Although technical difficulties delayed the lighting, the crowd cheered as the tree lit up following a countdown led by the mayor. A fireworks display followed, with attendees gathering on a hill to watch. Children slid down the slope, laughing and playing as the fireworks illuminated the night sky, drawing cheers from both sides of the river.
HollyDazzle has grown into a cherished holiday tradition for Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, bringing residents together to celebrate the season. “Look out for our rink opening in December [weather pending] and lots of fun events at the Downtown Ice Rink in Town Square,” Benefield said.
For details on upcoming events, visit downtownforks.com.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
