ADOT shines with festive floats at APS Electric Light Parade

It was an exhilarating scene at the North Phoenix Baptist Church at Central and Montebello avenues on a Saturday in December as Santa, elves and even a Grinch scurried around to prepare their floats for the annual APS Electric Light Parade.

Pulsating dance music boomed from speakers, parents and children danced in the parking lot, and "snowflakes" emitted from one of the floats, filling the chilly evening air. 

Randy Everett, a Central District Administrator with ADOT, said 24 volunteers from the Arizona Department of Transportation participated.

"Our Mesa Maintenance Unit once again put together two beautiful floats that made ADOT proud," he said. "We had 24 wonderful volunteers this year from ADOT walking alongside the floats, waving to the crowds and handing out candy to children, or elves who sat in the sleigh atop the float waving to the crowd."

ADOT's floats consisted of a snowplow bedazzled with twinkling Christmas lights and a semi that pulled a flatbed trailer with Santa's sleigh and reindeer. 

Jerry Turner, a supervisor with the Mesa Maintenance District, said he loved the final product adding that it took over three days to decorate the floats.

ADOT'S snowplow float wasn't just festive - it was a unique way to highlight the vital role these vehicles play during winter storms.

"We had a great time," he said. "I thought it turned out pretty good."

The APS Electric LIght Parade has been a beloved Phoenix tradition for years, drawing thousands of spectators annually.

"Seeing the smiles on the kids' faces makes it all worth it," Turner said. "It feels great to bring some holiday joy to the community."