Dorothy Young Electric Light Parade

This year the Dorothy Young Electric Light Parade celebrates its 20th year. The parade is one of the most anticipated events in the Desert Southwest and each year roughly 40,000 people line up along Yuma's North End to catch a glimpse of the lit-up floats, bands, and cars that coast along the parade route. Each year the parade ends in Historic Downtown Yuma, where spectators claim their spots hours before the event even starts. 

The 2023 Parade Theme: Travel Forward

This year's theme is "Travel Forward" paying homage to the Desert Southwest's Past, Present, and future. We're looking to you to pay tribute to our community's past, whether it be its ties to the Gold Rush, Aviation, or even the history of the Colorado River. We're asking that you share the incredible things we have to offer in the here and now and where you think we will be a hundred years from now. Will the Desert Southwest be an access point for space exploration? Use your imagination and share it with the rest of us. 

Parade Application

Official 2023 Parade Route 

Last year's winners 

Awards were given for the following categories:

Mary Jane Allen Award for Best Depiction of Parade Theme 

Big Red Barn Preschool

Float 

Peynado Memorial Float

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Vehicle 

New Class Car Club

Animal 

Tammy's Grooming

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Walking/Performing 

Glam Dance Studio

Dorothy Young Memorial Trophy for Best Performance by a Marching Band

San Luis High School Marching Band