Thousands of silhouette figures lined the street shoulder to shoulder in anticipation for the lighted exhibition soon to come.

Some people, sitting on Route 51’s curb, nestled together under the protection of a warm blanket, shielding themselves from the cold, crisp December air. The lights from store-front windows seemed to dim and the details in the shadows on peoples’ backs gave way to black as the procession began.

‘Oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ escaped from the on-lookers as green, white and red lights streamed past the silhouettes, giving birth to the radiant Lights Fantastic Parade.

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The city of Carbondale held its 14th annual Lights Fantastic Parade Saturday night, attracting thousands of viewers from around Southern Illinois to partake in the Christmas spirit.

“It’s a nice thing because all the neighbors come out and make their own floats,” said event coordinator Andrea Buckvold of the Lights Fantastic Planning Committee. “It’s a homemade event.”

The community event provides anyone who has a float idea the opportunity to help light up the night.

“I like to see all the things people do to try to spice up their vehicles,” Buckvold said. “There’s a big variety. It goes from decorated tractors to decorated trams to people who put together big, expensive floats like the University Mall.”

WSIL Channel 3 news anchor Edan Schultz, who announces the parade, said the excitement is his favorite part of the night.

“Everyone really comes out and gets into it,” Shultz said. “There are thousands of people lining the streets. It really puts you in the holiday spirit.”

Jamie Voorhegs spread the holiday spirit through the airwaves from a float reminiscent of a 1950’s diner. Clad in a vibrant skirt and sweater, Voorhegs swung to Rockin’ around the Christmas tree’ atop her organization’s float as it crawled down the Strip.

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Voorhegs, of the Citizens Aligned to Rejuvenate the Economy association of West Frankfort, or C.A.R.E., helps put on the Fantasy of Lights Parade of West Frankfort.

Voorhegs said she enjoys the parade because it gives the community something free to do to celebrate Christmas.

Despite the cold, much of the community crowded Route 51 and the city square to celebrate.

Besides coats and mittens, many took to the thermos and steamy cup to keep warm.

Kim Watters of Caf Melange, a senior studying glass blowing and Art Education from Florida, said the caf went through eight gallons of milk for hot chocolate and four gallons of coffee.

Joe Logan of Caf Melange, a senior studying avionics from Grayslake, said the caf was the busiest he has seen.

“We did three times as much business in three hours than we do all day,” Logan said.

North of Melange on the Strip, Sharon and Steven Douglas perched on top of a brick wall for a better view.

“I think it’s nice that the community puts this on every year for everyone to come out and see,” Sharon Douglas said. “It’s an opportunity for the families to come out together and it puts you in the Christmas spirit after you see the parade.”