The 2026 Parade of Lights has chosen Jim Fontana of Salida’s Ace Hardware as their Grand Marshall. Fontana was chosen his selfless commitment to our community, its businesses, and its citizens for over 30 years.
According to the organizers press release, the selection of a Grand Marshal is a process that unfolds throughout the year, as community members offer suggestions about the people they would most like to see representing this beloved holiday celebration.
Fontana has given countless hours of planning and resources to dozens of organizations, schools, and non-profits. His extensive support spans the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, Salida Mountain Trails, Guidestone, GARNA, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Salida Community Center.
He is also a champion for youth sports, directly contributing to Salida baseball, football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, and girls’ softball, as well as the Council for the Arts and the Chaffee County Fair.
High Country Bank and the City of Salida will present the Parade on Friday, November 27th at 6pm. This year’s theme is “Decked Out for the Decades.” Participants are encouraged to take a nostalgic trip through holiday history and choose a decade to bring its holiday traditions, music, fashion and festive spirit to life through their parade entries.
Parade registration will begin October 15th. Those interested in participating are encouraged to stop by High Country Bank at 7360 US-50 .
