By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
The Orion Area Lighted Parade Group has released their theme for the annual lighted parade and it’s being called ‘Out of This World in Orion.?
Now in their 19th year, the lighted parade’s theme will revolve around Star Wars, given the highly anticipated opening of The Force Awakens, and the Minions from the popular children’s movie, Despicable Me.
OAPG President Bill Kokenos relies on local resources that have their fingers on the pulse of popularity when it comes to children’s interests.
‘Our committee sits down and we try to look at what the kids are going to be interested in during the year,? Kokenos said. ‘Kathy Coe from Ed’s on Broadway is our leader on that because they do the costumes and sell all the toys and we go on what she recommends.?
Last year the theme was ‘Frozen,? centering around Disney’s most popular animated film since Toy Story. Kokenos said this year they’re taking a similar approach by leaving the theme just a little open so to inspire creativity amongst the floats.
‘We try to make it generic enough to where everybody can do something different and it’s not all the same thing,? he said.
According to Kokenos, the Orion Area Lighted Parade, which is set for Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., is the largest lighted parade in Michigan and this year they’re hoping to make it even larger. This year they’ll be bringing in the drum line bands from the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Pistons as well as musicians performing in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Detroit.
The representatives from the Legacy LO will once again be opening up the Ehman Center so that children and parents can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and have an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade group will be honoring Bob Erickson as he was voted The Citizen of the Year and Alice Young will be the special grand marshal for her work for the parade.
Although what makes the parade possible is their main fundraiser, the Holly Jolly Folly. It takes place the night before the parade, Friday, Dec. 4, and will go from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Folly will be hosted at the Golling Buick GMC Dealership located at 1491 S. Lapeer Road and the event will take over the dealership’s service and write up area.
‘You won’t be able to tell you’re in a service area because we bring in curtains, lights and speakers,? Kokenos said.
Golling, who’s also the largest sponsor for the event, is bringing Italia Gardens for food and there will be dancing and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at the dealership and they are $35 per person or the price is reduced if a table of ten is purchased at one time.
For both the Folly and the parade, Kokenos is hoping to make both the largest attendance on record. Thanks to Facebook and Instagram, they’re seeing larger turnouts than ever before.
‘The social media by far helps getting the word out better and everybody in the community has really picked up on the parade,? he said. ‘More and more people are calling earlier asking about the theme; It’s become a big event here in Orion.?
Those interested in participating in the lighted parade can register online at orionlightedparade.org. Deadline for entry is Thursday, December 3 at 7:30pm. Anyone that has questions about the parade or the Holly Jolly Folly can contact Bill Kokenos at 248-802-5521.