Dec 30, 2020

Night to Shine pivots to Shine Thru Drive Thru Promenade Parade

Posted Dec 30, 2020 12:01 PM
A Night to Shine participant at the 2020 event. This year the event will include a socially distanced drive thru parade in downtown Hays. Photos courtesy of Night to Shine.
A Night to Shine participant at the 2020 event. This year the event will include a socially distanced drive thru parade in downtown Hays. Photos courtesy of Night to Shine.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Hays' developmentally disabled population will still have a Night to Shine this year, although the annual event will look a little different.

In years past, the Night to Shine prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow foundation has included 800 to 1,000 people gathering at Celebration Community Church. 

That was not possible this year because of COVID, Brent Kaiser, organizer, said.

Although the normal Night to Shine in-person dance will not happen this year, the local Night to Shine Committee will host Shine Thru Drive Thru Promenade Parade from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 in downtown Hays.

Promenade guests will receive a goodie bag at a stop at the Hays Aquatic Park. This will include a crown or tiara for each guest. A Night to Shine tradition has been to crown each participant a queen or king for the night.

They will then cruise Main Street to the Styles Dance Studio parking lot 1501 Main St., which will be the turn around.

Participants in 2020's Night to Shine at Celebration Community Church. The Night to Shine Committee will host Shine Thru Drive Thru Promenade Parade from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 in downtown Hays.
Participants in 2020's Night to Shine at Celebration Community Church. The Night to Shine Committee will host Shine Thru Drive Thru Promenade Parade from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 in downtown Hays.

Community members are encouraged to stand along the parade route and cheer on the guests. They can also drive the parade route in support. Drivers are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with lights.

"We would love to have as many people as possible cheering," Kaiser said. "That is the way we encourage people to get involved."

The guest vehicles will be clearly marked. Downtown streets will not be closed for the event.

Hot chocolate stands will be available for community members at several locations downtown during the event.

"We've set it up so it's a possibility for everyone who wants to come out can come out and still socially distance and still do all of those things and still be as safe as possible," Kaiser said.

The guest registration deadline is Jan. 15. Visit www.nighttoshinehays.org and click on the register link at the top of the page.

Community members do not need to register for the event.

"We really want to make it a community-wide event," Kaiser said.

Night to Shine guests pose at a photo booth during last year's event.
Night to Shine guests pose at a photo booth during last year's event.

Organizers ask those participating in this event to wear masks and socially distance.

Tim Tebow Foundation also will host a virtual Night to Shine event on Friday, Feb 12. Guests will receive information on how to participate when they sign up for the Hays parade. 

"We really encourage people to get involved in this," Kaiser said. "It is not exactly our No. 1 way to honor our guests or people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but we feel this is the best opportunity to do that and hopefully next year we'll be able to have the traditional Night to Shine prom."

A Night to Shine guest is welcomed to last year's event.
A Night to Shine guest is welcomed to last year's event.