By Jessica Arndt
For nearly half a century, the London Bridge Days Parade has been a beloved tradition in Lake Havasu City, celebrating the town’s vibrant community spirit. Year after year, local bands and colorful floats light up McCulloch Boulevard, creating a joyous occasion for residents and visitors alike. In 2024, this cherished event enters an exciting new chapter as ILOVE Lake Havasu, a passionate nonprofit, joins longtime organizer Jim Day in continuing its legacy. With fresh ideas and renewed energy, they are committed to preserving the magic of one of the city’s most treasured traditions while celebrating its bright future.
Jim Day has been at the heart of London Bridge Days since taking over the event in 1996. Reflecting on his involvement, Jim recalls, “The event started with the dedication of the London Bridge in 1971. Initially, the McCulloch Corp hosted it, and later, the Chamber of Commerce took the reins. But by the mid-1990s, they decided to move on, and that’s when I stepped in, right around the 25th anniversary.”
Over the years, Jim Day has seen Lake Havasu grow from a small town with limited distractions into a bustling city with many competing events. “There was less competition for people’s time back then,” Jim said, recalling fondly how hundreds of residents would gather under the bridge for various evening festivities. But despite these changes, the parade itself has remained a constant, anchoring the community with a tradition that brings out the best in Havasu. “For several years, we had upwards of 90 entries. It’s smaller now, but there’s still a lot of interest, and people love a parade,” he added.
After 28 years of overseeing the event, Jim felt it was time for new leadership. “Our town has grown, and times have changed. Many early days’ activities lost leadership, importance, and support from the community. It was clear that someone else needed to lead the event—someone with new ideas and youthful energy,” Jim said. That’s when ILOVE Lake Havasu stepped in.
Founded on a mission to unite the community through local events, ILOVE Lake Havasu seemed like the perfect successor to carry on the parade’s legacy. “I met with them, and they said YES! I’m happy to share my knowledge and history—I just don’t need to be in charge anymore,” Jim remarked with a sense of fulfillment.
This year’s parade theme, “Celebrating American Patriots,” comes at a particularly poignant time. With tensions running high during a heated election season, the parade aims to serve as a reminder that despite our political differences, we can all rally around our shared history and the American ideals that bind us together. Regardless of where you fall on the issues, the London Bridge Days Parade celebrates the amazing men and women patriots who have shaped our nation’s history. It’s a chance to set aside divisive conversations and take pride in the values and resilience that unite us as a country.
Each float will pay tribute to a significant American figure, reflecting both the patriotic roots of Lake Havasu and the city’s commitment to honoring the past while looking toward the future. “Supporting these kinds of events will help us keep the values and traditions that make Havasu what it is,” Jim noted.
While the parade may be changing hands, Jim Day’s legacy and the impact of his leadership will forever be felt in the streets of Lake Havasu. As he reflects on his time at the helm, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community that has supported him and the event for so many years. “This is a good place to live and raise a family. I’m thrilled that ILOVE Lake Havasu is willing to promote London Bridge Days moving forward.”
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