(PHOTOS) New Downtown Dazzle Parade Brought Joy to Rochester, MN

For the first time in Rochester, Minnesota history, a lighted parade appeared for the community in downtown Rochester.  Thousands of people gathered on the streets to enjoy the Downtown Dazzle event, which was all about bringing joy and happiness to our community.  Below are a few photos and the reveal of the best giveaway of the night.

READ MORE: Top Neighborhoods To See Christmas Lights in Rochester, Minnesota

Downtown Dazzle Lighted Parade Brought Joy to the Rochester, Minnesota Community

On Saturday, December 7th, Downtown Dazzle, popped up for the Rochester, Minnesota community.  The day started with fun activities and vendors at the Chateau and the Peace Plaza and finished with a lighted parade.

Brad Trahan, the founder of this event, shared with me the inspiration behind this new event for Rochester:

I've noticed that nearby communities like LaCrosse and Appleton, WI, have been hosting winter-lighted holiday parades, and Owatonna has had one for the past five years. Rochester's downtown is beautiful, and what a fantastic opportunity to showcase it through the Heart of the City! I think about the families who won't be home for the holidays or those who don't have anywhere to go. We live in the City of Healing and are so fortunate to have the Mayo Clinic here. If we can host an event that brings smiles to our residents, patients, and their families, it's all worth it. The goal is simple: start a new tradition with this first-ever winter-lighted parade and bring happiness to our community, whether they live here or are visiting. Feel the magic of this community during the holiday season.

Townsquare Media was proud to help sponsor this event.  Our team was there and grabbed a few photos of the fun floats that started at the Edison Building and went down 1st. Avenue by the Peace Plaza.

Winner of the Best Giveaway of the Night at Downtown Dazzle

There weren't many items given out at the lighted parade but there was a true winner.  If you happened to see the large Bloodmobile vehicle, you probably saw the team from Mayo Clinic holding items that were glowing.

THAT was the giveaway winner of the night!

Thanks To All Who Made Downtown Dazzle A Reality For Rochester, Minnesota

A few months ago, I had a chance to sit with Brad Trahan and learned some of the behind-the-scenes action that was happening for the Downtown Dazzle event.  FYI, there is A LOT!  And it is expensive to put an event like this parade on for our community.

To all who sponsored, donated, and helped organize the Downtown Dazzle parade, thank you.  A lot of work was done to make this event a success for the Rochester community and you deserve that shoutout.  Thank you!

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Date Released For Next Downtown Dazzle Event in Rochester, Minnesota

Put it on your calendar now - December 6th, 2025!  That is the date for the next Downtown Dazzle event in Rochester, Minnesota.

Where To Find Info About Local Events in Southeast Minnesota

I saw a few people on social media stating that they didn't know about this event.  Psst...you should start listening to Y-105FM!  We have been talking about the Downtown Dazzle event for a few weeks, almost every hour the past few days.  We even sent out a notification through our app to over 22,000 people in our area.  Grab our app and start listening to local radio - not only will you get info about what is happening locally, but you are supporting local while you listen.