Second annual BRiGHT Parade draws large, enthusiastic crowd

Downtown Eugene saw its Second Annual BRiGHT Parade this September, and it was a night to remember! The people-powered parade lit up the night with 28 entries, 400 participants and nearly 5,000 community members cheering from the sidelines. As a partnership between the City of Eugene, AfterParty and Lane Arts Council, the BRiGHT Parade celebrated Eugene's diversity and creativity.

The community's commitment to lighting up the streets of Eugene made the event a beautiful spectacle. Twenty-eight organizations and companies with around 400 participants marched, sashayed, danced, rode, scooted and clip-clopped in the parade, with several thousand standing along the route cheering them on.

"It was amazing to see the human- and electric-powered art in motion at this year's parade," said Jenette Kime, transportation options coordinator for City of Eugene. "The City partners with organizations in town to put on events that inspire the community to come together and celebrate what makes us unique. It was great to see so many people attending and enjoying this cultural event!"

The first annual BRiGHT Parade occurred last year, in October 2023, and brought out several thousand people. The 2024 parade attracted an even bigger crowd, with nearly 5,000 residents lining the parade route and cheering on their favorite entries. Thrill the World Eugene won the judges' hearts and took Best in Show in 2024. You can see the full list of winners at eugenebrightparade.com.

Keep your eyes peeled for next year's parade in fall 2025! Community members will be invited to volunteer, watch the parade or apply as a parade entry.