The Mesquite Parade of Lights was created in 2015 to celebrate the Christmas holiday season twofold; to bring the community together to enjoy the lights and to give to those who are less fortunate. The event has grown to become Mesquite’s largest canned-food drive each year. Starting with just 1,000 pounds in 2015, the efforts of the community and businesses were able to increase that to 7,010 pounds of food in 2018 to split between the Virgin Valley Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
 
This year, the goal is to exceed 10,000 pounds of food. In addition to collecting food along the parade route, donation boxes will be set up at Mesquite Fire Station 3 located at 3 John Deere Drive, the Mesquite Recreation Center at 100 W. Old Mill Rd, Mesquite Senior Center at 102 W. Old Mill Rd, Sun City Mesquite Recreation Center at 1300 Flat Top Mesa, Mesquite Police Department at 695 Mayan Circle, and Mesquite City Hall at 10 E. Mesquite Blvd. during normal business hours beginning November 1.
 
Local groups, schools, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate in this event and may submit an application by November 27 to the City of Mesquite Clerk’s office, 10 E. Mesquite Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The entry fee is 15 pounds of food, due at the time of application submission or at the mandatory participant meeting on December 2.
 
Many changes have been made for this year’s theme, Parade of Music. In addition to competing for Best Theme, Best Lights and Most Participants, there will also be an award for Mayor’s Choice as well as People’s Choice award via the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mesquiteparadeoflights. For more information, contact the Clerk’s office at 702-346-5295 or email sfrehner@mesquitenv.gov.