By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Celebration Community Church will host the Night to Shine Hays Shine Thru Parade from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Saturday in downtown Hays.
Due to COVID concerns, instead of the traditional dance, participants will load up in cars and join a parade down Main Street.
Residents are encouraged to line main and cheer on the participants as they pass in their decorated vehicles.
Night to Shine is an event that is centered on God’s love for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 14 and older. More than 100 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from northwest Kansas will be honored at this year’s Night to Shine Hays event.
"Our team is really excited to be hosting this event in downtown Hays for the second year in a row," said Brent Kaiser, local organizer. "Being in downtown Hays adds a unique and fun aspect to this wonderful event.
"We really hope to see lots of people lining the sidewalks and cheering on Main Street. Last year, our honored guests were so excited to see everyone cheering for them as they the cruised up and down Main."
This year, Night to Shine will celebrate its eighth anniversary as thousands from around the world will come together to honor those with disabilities.
Though this year will look a little different, nothing can keep faith, hope and love from shining as bright as ever, a news release said.