Johnny and Betty Rutherford celebrated with us as Grand Mars
hals for the 2007 Parade of Lights, and rode a specially designed float highlighting their many accomplishments in our community. The Texas-raised "Lonestar J.R." is one of eight drivers to win the prestigious Indianapolis 500 mile race at least three times: in 1974, 1976, and 1980, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1996. He retired from racing before the start of the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and now serves as a driver expert on the Indy 500 radio network every May. Betty Rutherford is a tireless civic supporter who has been actively involved in many organizations throughout Fort Worth, including Speedway Children's Charities.
Featured floats included specially designed units from Sundance Square, Chase Bank, the Dallas Cowboys and Starbucks. The Tarrant Regional Water District's "Conserve Water! There's Nothing to Replace It!" float will join floats from the Star-Telegram, the City of Fort Worth's "Building a Better Community" float with our City Council on board, XTO Energy's "Celebrating Kids" float and a special float celebrating the Parade of Lights' 25th Anniversary, presented by Coors Distributing Company. Bringing up the finale of the parade was a brand new float from Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. featuring the stars of the show, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The festivities began at 2:00 PM with the "Holiday Fun Zone presented by XTO Energy," in the Chisholm Trail parking lot in Sundance Square. The parade kicked off at 6:00 PM. "Silver Bells for a Silver Anniversary" is our theme this year as the parade moves along Belknap to Commerce, south to 6th Street, west to Houston Street and back up to Weatherford.
Reserved seats will be sold again for the 2008 Parade, and will go online beginning September 1, 2008. These SOLD OUT in 2007, so mark your calendars.