Flags, Floats, and Festivity: Lake Havasu Shines at the 2024 London Bridge Days Parade

The streets of Lake Havasu were alive with vibrant patriotism this past weekend as the 2024 London Bridge Days Parade brought the community together in a spectacular celebration. Residents, visitors, and generations of families lined McCulloch Boulevard, eager to partake in one of Lake Havasu’s most cherished traditions. With ILOVE Lake Havasu joining longtime organizer Jim Day in leading the event, the parade not only celebrated American ideals but also showcased the town’s spirit of unity amidst polarizing times.

Parade

From the moment the parade kicked off, excitement filled the air. Decked out in red, white, and blue, colorful floats and marching bands moved proudly down the street. Music echoed along the boulevard as multiple bands performed, filling the crowd with an infectious sense of pride. Kids scrambled to collect candy tossed their way, while American flags waved high and proud, capturing the essence of unity that was tangible in every cheer.

Local Sarah remarked, “The energy this year was just incredible—so many families, so many flags! It was more than just a parade; it felt like a reminder of how much we love this town and country.” She wasn’t alone in her sentiment. Many parade-goers noticed the heightened organization, as ILOVE Lake Havasu’s involvement added a fresh, polished feel. “There was such pride and joy in every float, and the candy? The kids were thrilled!” said John, a Lake Havasu native who’s been attending the parade since he was a child.

Parade

Representatives from local businesses, families, and community leaders came together in a showcase that celebrated the unique fabric of Lake Havasu. With floats honoring influential American figures, the patriotic energy was felt deeply, bringing cheers and applause from a crowd proud to be part of this community. “You could feel the unity,” shared longtime resident Bethany who was accompanied by her family. “I’ve been coming to this parade for years, and this one felt different—it was like we all came together, just proud to be here.”

As families left with smiles, bags of candy, and memories to last a lifetime, it was clear: the London Bridge Days Parade is more than just an event; it’s a testament to Lake Havasu’s pride, resilience, and unwavering sense of community.

Hat-tastic Evening: Spells of Support at Witch Hat Night

Hat

SummeRay Wine Bar transformed into a lively cauldron of magic and mischief during this year’s Witch Hat Night, hosted by Women With Willpower. Women in extravagant, spooky creations and delightfully quirky hats filled the space, their laughter and excitement bubbling like a witch’s brew. The air was electric with camaraderie, wine glasses clinking, and a sense of shared purpose that transcended the fun and fashion of the evening.

But beneath the playful exterior, there was a deeper mission at work. This wasn’t just a night to show off creative headwear—it was a gathering with heart, dedicated to raising funds for women in Lake Havasu City who’ve reached their last resort. When speaking with Sherri Ashford, president of Women With Willpower, she proudly shared that the organization had already raised $40,000 this year—funds that will directly support local women in need. It was clear from the generosity and joy in the room that this night wasn’t just about having fun; it was about making a real difference in the lives of others.

Hat winner
Jacqulyn Faye Reid hat competition winner

One of the standout moments of the night was the Best Hat contest, where winner Faye Reid stole the show with her utterly unique, handcrafted creation. But here’s the fun part: Faye was literally crocheting her hat right up until the judging—wine glass in hand, laughing, and chatting with other women while her fingers worked their magic. It wasn’t just a hat; it was a live performance of artistry and multitasking! When the crowd erupted in cheers for her, it was clear she had won the hearts of everyone in the room. Faye, in disbelief, shared that it was the first time she had ever won a contest, and her joy was contagious. To top it off, several women even inquired about buying some of her quilted designs—highlighting the powerful networking opportunities these events create for women.

Another heartwarming moment came when a raffle prize winner, inspired by the spirit of the night, decided to donate her prize right back to Women With Willpower. It was a beautiful gesture of kindness that highlighted the true meaning of the evening: women supporting women in every way possible.As the night wrapped up, the excitement shifted to A Season to Sparkle, the 15th annual holiday celebration hosted by Women With Willpower that is coming up on December 1st. This semi-formal event, formerly known as O’Christmas Tree, promises to be another enchanting