IECRM’s Parade of Lights story began in 2017, when IECRM apprentices and members designed and built the Sparkling Ice Castle float, the first new float added to the parade in more than 20 years. More than 100 apprentices and members volunteered their time and skills to bring the illuminated float to life.
From the beginning, the goal was about more than creating a spectacular float. IECRM wanted to showcase the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the electrical and renewable energy industries while shining a light on the skilled trades as a respected, sustainable career path. The float gives apprentices, electricians, contractors, and industry partners a highly visible platform to demonstrate what skilled trades professionals can create and the important role they play in powering our communities and supporting Colorado’s economy.
The opportunity to share that message reaches a tremendous audience. The 9NEWS Parade of Lights traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of spectators in person and through its broadcast, making it one of the region’s largest holiday events and a powerful way to introduce people of all ages to the opportunities available in the skilled trades.
IECRM’s involvement has continued to grow. The Ice Castle has remained a staple of the parade, with IECRM sponsoring and representing the float each year. Since 2021, IECRM Contractor members have also donated their time and company-branded trucks to mobilize the parade floats, creating an even larger presence for the electrical industry throughout the parade.
Today, the tradition continues with IECRM apprentices and members walking alongside the Ice Castle, wearing light-up electrical safety gear and helping bring the story of the skilled trades to the streets of Downtown Denver. It’s a holiday tradition, but it’s also a celebration of the people who build, power, and keep our communities moving forward.
Click through the time lapse video below to see how IECRM members and apprentices built the IECRM Ice Castle Float:
Check out the debut of the IECRM’s Ice Castle Float in the 2017 9NEW Parade of Lights broadcast:
Check out the 2nd year that the IECRM Ice Castle Float made its way through the streets of Denver (2018):
Check out the IECRM Ice Castle Float in the 45th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights (2019):
Check out the 2021 9NEWS Parade of Lights broadcast of IECRM’s Ice Castle Float:
Check out the 2022 9NEWS Parade of Lights broadcast of IECRM’s Ice Castle Float:
Check out the 2023 9NEWS Parade of Lights broadcast of IECRM’s Ice Castle Float:
Check out the 50th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights broadcast of IECRM’s Ice Castle Float (2024):
Check out the 2025 9NEWS Parade of Lights broadcast of IECRM’s Ice Castle Float:
