The fight for the Holiday Parade of Lights 2024 in Salinas is not over.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, the public and City of Salinas officials learned that the Holiday Parade of Lights, scheduled for just over two weeks out was canceled. On Friday, Nov. 15, the message from the City is that there's still hope for the event on Sunday, Dec. 1.

The organizers at the nonprofit called Salinas Holiday Parade Of Lights, wrote on Facebook and their website that they are canceling this year’s parade due to “lack of support” and invited fans of the annual tradition to save for December 2025.

The City was surprised and immediately reached out to organizers, asking them what they need as far as support. The answer was: people. The City immediately mobilized to help to staff the event. 

“We still need about 70-100 volunteers," says Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig, appealing to residents. Craig says the biggest point is they all—people at City Hall, the nonprofit organizers, the community—want a parade. “We will get it done,” she adds.

While Craig says that the final agreement is not ready yet, city officials are enthusiastic about keeping the event on track for 2024.

“We are doing whatever we can to make it happen,” says City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval. 

Craig adds that in order to make the parade happen, they will need a special permit from Caltrans, since Main Street in Salinas is technically a part of Highway 68.

Look for further updates online at salinasholidayparadeoflights.org.