Miss America 2023 Announced as APS Electric Light Parade Grand Marshal

The City of Phoenix and Arizona Public Service (APS) are excited to announce Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke as Grand Marshal for the 36th Annual APS Electric Light Parade.

Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke

Grace Stanke is the third Miss Wisconsin contestant to earn the title of Miss America. Grace is spending her year traveling the country inspiring women and advocating for STEM careers while pursuing her degree in nuclear engineering. Her goal is to dispel myths about nuclear energy, while encouraging women everywhere to chase their goals. In April of 2023, Grace toured the Palo Verde Generating Station, operated by APS, and located about 45 miles west of downtown Phoenix (see pictures below). Palo Verde is the country’s largest power producer in the United States and all of it is 100% clean and carbon-free.

The 36th Annual APS Electric Light Parade takes place Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 7 p.m., which just so happens to be World Nuclear Energy Day and is the perfect tie to this year’s parade theme is “It’s Electric!”

“It is an honor to have Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke join us for this year’s APS Electric Light Parade,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Grace is a tremendous role model for young people and is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success. We are so proud to have her join us in celebrating this year’s parade.”

“We are thrilled to have Grace Stanke as our Grand Marshal. She is an inspiration to people around the world and we are honored to have her join us in Phoenix for our annual community tradition,” said Phoenix Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar.

“As both an electricity worker and a parade lover, I am so thrilled to be the grand marshal at the APS Electric Light Parade,” Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke said. “Here’s to powering our lives!”

The 2.3-mile parade route starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, travels south to Camelback Road, then heads east along Camelback Road to 7th Street, and continues south along 7th Street to its conclusion at Indian School Road. The first parade entries begin at 7 p.m. and take approximately 60 minutes to complete the route. It is strongly recommended that attendees arrive several hours in advance of the start of the parade.

Helpful tips for those planning to attend this year’s parade:

• Consider taking  Valley Metro Light Rail to the event to avoid traffic congestion. The parade route runs near the Light Rail stop at Central Avenue, just south of Camelback Road.
• The parade is a rain or shine event. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
• Crowds for this event have grown in recent years and viewing spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Spectators often start arriving hours prior to parade time to reserve a spot.
• Public on-street parking is available outside of the parade route on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots near the parade route often offer parking for a fee.
• Spectators should minimize and gather any trash and litter generated during the parade to ease post-event cleanup.
• Coolers are permitted, but alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
• Road closures and restrictions affect surrounding areas hours before the event; come early and expect delays.
• Check out the parade route at Phoenix Parks and Recreation – APS Electric Light Parade