Grand marshals named for downtown Parade of Lights

The late Steve Metli will be the honorary grand marshal for the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Sioux Falls.

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. is honoring both the longtime city planning director, who died earlier this year, and a young person of achievement — Sean Kjergaard — as honorary junior grand marshal.

“Steve was passionate about downtown Sioux Falls and the impact a vibrant downtown would have on this city,” said his niece Ann Metli. “When asked if Steve would be the honorary parade marshal for the Parade of Lights, our family thought it was a great testament to what Steve loved – Sioux Falls. Steve’s children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews will all be part of celebrating Steve during the Parade of Lights — and we just might have something up our sleeves to help keep Sioux Falls beautiful and remember this great man.”

For the first time, DTSF and CenturyLink asked Sioux Falls-area residents to participate by nominating a young person of achievement for junior grand marshal. Kjergaard is a student in the Brandon Valley School District and is known for his volunteer work with South Dakota Special Olympics and Feeding South Dakota.

“If my family and I cannot make a difference in someone else’s life by volunteering, then we are all lost. I am honored to be chosen as junior grand marshal,” Kjergaard said.

He will receive a $250 downtown Sioux Falls shopping spree from CenturyLink.

Kjergaard and the Metli family will lead the festivities at the 26th annual Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

The annual Parade of Lights features an awards ceremony after the parade, which has been hosted at the Holiday Inn City Centre for the past 25 years. The event will begin about 8:45 p.m. at the hotel’s Pub Terrace. Click here for event details.

Float winners will be presented awards in the following categories:

CenturyLink Best Use of Lights — This award is given to the float that shows the most ingenuity and engineering in light usage and special effects for visual appeal. The award will be presented by Beth Adamson, CenturyLink regional manager of operations support, dispatch.

Best Workmanship — This award is given to the float that displays outstanding craftsmanship, neatness, attention to detail, overall design and usage of color and materials. The award will be presented by the Metli family.

Spirit of Sioux Falls — This award is for the float exhibiting the most public appeal and charm, most creatively pleasing the crowd, and will be presented by Brady Mallory of KELO-TV.

Mayor’s Choice — This award will be given to the personal favorite of Mayor Mike Huether and will be presented by him.

Downtown Sioux Falls Award — This award is given to the favorite of the DTSF board and will be presented by board member Vaney Hariri.

For information about the Parade of Lights and street closures, click here.

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Grand marshals named for downtown Parade of Lights

The late Steve Metli will be the honorary grand marshal for the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Sioux Falls.

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