Keep those parade lights on, Fort Worth

Someone has to pay for the lights to stay on, and for our beloved holiday parade to continue.

We’re hoping the departure of this year’s generous parade sponsor from the community will lead to others stepping up and contributing.

The XTO Energy Parade of Lights, sponsored by XTO and produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc., drew an enormous crowd to downtown Fort Worth last weekend.

Though the new route had its challenges, the annual holiday parade still was one of the highlights of the season.

Who doesn’t love seeing the giant glowing Steve-O the Mantis or Ronald the Ramblin’ Rattler cruising down Houston Street?

But will Steve-O and Ronald be enchanting paradegoers next year?

XTO Energy is moving most employees to Houston, leaving many nonprofits or sponsored events anxious. With more than 1,500 employees and an active philanthropy model, The longtime downtown Fort Worth business has been a charitable force in the area.

If XTO doesn’t continue its support, it will be up to other businesses and philanthropists to help fill the void — and keep the Parade of Lights afloat.

And no, we can’t just call on the same people over and over to help.

Fort Worth needs to encourage some new contributors who value these time-honored traditions to come forward.

In the next 365 days, downtown business leaders will be looking for renewed help from XTO or a creative solution for next year’s Parade of Lights and beyond. In the spirit of the holiday, get involved.

This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Keep those parade lights on, Fort Worth."