Cowtown prepares for annual Parade of Lights

FORT WORTH -- While most of the Metroplex spent Thanksgiving eating turkey dinner and watching football, some of the participants in this year's parade of lights were busy making last-minute alterations to their floats.

The Van Martins, a Southern gospel singing group, decorated their float well into the evening ahead of Friday night's annual parade through downtown Forth Worth.

Fort Worth prepares for Parade of Lights. Todd Unger reports.

"What you see here is the preps to get us on the road. You don't wanna do too much because it all will fly off," said Ron Van Volkenburg, a member of the group's quartet.

The theme for their float is "Snow Much Fun Together." More than 110 entrants are scheduled for this year's festivities, which start at 6 p.m. downtown on Friday.

"They're getting more and more applications every year. We're fortunate it's our third year in a row to participate," said Van Volkenburg.

The parade has long-represented the start of the Christmas season in Fort Worth. But onlookers this year may notice a few changes.

Chesapeake Energy is no longer the title sponsor, following a fallout with the City in unrelated legal matters concerning oil and gas royalties.

XTO Energy is now sponsoring the event, and local familiar faces like Mayor Betsy Price and Police Chief Jeff Halstead should be part of the fun.

There is riser seating available near the Renaissance Worthington Hotel off Houston Street. More than 200 chairs are going for about $85 a seat--pricey, but they provide a great view.

Watching from the sidewalk remains free.

For more information on where to park and how early the family should arrive, go here.