5 Things to Know About the Orion Area Lighted Parade

After the sun sets on Saturday, dozens of whimsical floats strung with thousands of lights will make their way through downtown Lake Orion in the .

The parade features entries from area communities, including Lake Orion, Orion Township, Oakland Township and Oxford Township. It is touted as one of the only nighttime lighted parades in Michigan.

But before you head out tomorrow, here are five things to know:

1. Time: The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday. If you want a good spot, however, it might be wise to arrive an hour or two early. 
2. What to bring: According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, there's a 40 percent chance of rain Saturday evening, and temperatures will likely be in the mid-30s by the parade start time. We recommend bringing an umbrella in addition to your warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves. You may also want to bring along blankets, lawn chairs, snacks (for your little elves), hand warmers and a thermos of hot cocoa.
3. Route: The parade begins at Blanche Sims Elementary School and heads south along Florence Avenue before turning to head west down Flint Street. The route then jogs south on Anderson Avenue for a block, west down Front Street for a block and then north through downtown on Broadway. See the attached map for more information and locations of road blockades.
4. Parking: There is limited parking available in downtown Lake Orion and in lots and areas not along the parade route, including the lot near the head of the Paint Creek Trail (by CVS and Applebee's). Some nearby businesses may also allow parking in their lots, and parking is available in some nearby neighborhoods.
5. Staging: The staging area for the parade is at Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion (see attached parade route map). 

For more information, visit the Orion Area Lighted Parade website.