PHX Reporter

The Arizona Public Service (APS) special Electric Light Parade is returning Dec. 3, and the city has announced that Super Bowl LVII official mascot Spike will be the Grand Marshal for the 35th annual event.

“The Electric Light Parade is a unique Phoenix tradition that brings families and neighbors from all backgrounds together to celebrate the holidays," Mayor Kate Gallego said in a release from the city.

The theme for this year's parade is “Light Up the Night. The event starts at 7 p.m., and the parade will navigate a 2.3-mile route beginning at Central and Montebello avenues, the release said.

“The parade is the largest annual event hosted by our department, and our staff works around the clock to make sure residents have the best experience possible," Director of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Cynthia Aguilar said in the release. “We hope you join us for a community event that is the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season."

Jay Parry, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, expressed excitement as well.

“The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is thrilled to be part of the APS Electric Light Parade, a staple event for the community, where our mascot Spike is the Grand Marshal," he said. “The excitement for the parade is a perfect display of energy Arizonans bring to events and why the Valley is the ideal host for Super Bowl LVII in February."