Morrison’s 1980s-themed glow parade is Sept. 7

MORRISON – Morrison’s Department of Fun is hosting a Glow Bangers Ball and parade to the theme of classic 1980s culture and TV shows Sept. 7.

The party starts at 6 p.m. with local businesses and booths opening to the public. At 7 p.m., the 1980s-style band Big Hair Mafia will perform at the venue. About 8 p.m., when it gets dark, the glow parade will sweep through town.

People are encouraged to dress up in 1980s-era costumes and wear whatever can light up when joining in on the fun. At 10 p.m., guests can head inside the open bars to continue the celebration.

Amanda Cook, a member of the Department of Fun, said this is the third year Morrison has had a glow parade.

This year, they wanted to draw more people to the celebration, which is why they hired Big Hair Mafia, a band that has performed at larger venues such as the Mississippi Valley Fair. It’s the hope of the Department of Fun to bring in more Iowa and Quad Cities residents to the festival.

The parade encourages outside-the-box entries. In previous years, glow parade stars have included side-by-side vehicles such as power wheelers, bikes, scooters and in one memorable case a motorized picnic table. Cook said they want entries with lawn mowers, tractors and any other vehicles bedazzled with lights.

“As long as it can be lit up,” she said.

This year’s event is based on the classic 1980s TV show “Headbanger’s Ball.” People are invited to dress in 1980s style, complete with mullets, big wigs and other accessories from the decade. Brick Block Pub will host an outside tiki tree tent and other restaurants and bars will be ready to serve festivalgoers, Cook said.

To add an entry to the parade, text 630-60-5329 or Facebook message the Department of Fun with your name and type of vehicle. There is a suggested donation of $5 per entry. Kids entries are free. Prizes will be given to the most creative entries.