BLM Fire Team brings Smokey Bear to Kingman’s Street of Lights

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District Fire Management Team joined over a thousand community members for the annual Street of Lights celebration in downtown Kingman, an event hosted by the Kingman Downtown Merchants’ Association (KDMA). The event has become a holiday tradition for the community.

Led by Brady Shultz, wildland firefighter and fuels specialist, the BLM fire team hosted a public-facing display focused on wildfire prevention and engagement. Team members Jeremy Kistner, Brady Shultz, and Damian Carter staffed the display and interacted with families throughout the evening, answering questions and sharing fire-safety information.

Smokey Bear was also on hand to greet attendees after being picked up in the forest by Kistner and given a ride into town to ensure his safe participation in the event.

The Street of Lights celebration, now in its 37th year, has evolved significantly over time. What began as a traditional parade transitioned into a “reverse parade,” allowing community members to slowly drive through illuminated displays. Due to safety concerns and growing attendance, the event has since shifted to a full street closure, transforming downtown Kingman into a walkable holiday showcase stretching from First Street to Sixth Street and into surrounding alleyways.

This year’s event featured approximately 50 lighted floats and displays, along with expanded vendor participation. In addition to the outdoor displays, the indoors Mingle Jingle Christmas Bazaar hosted 44 vendors, with roughly 20 additional vendors set up outdoors. Organizers estimate attendance at approximately 12,000 people.

“Street of Lights has really grown into something special for our community,” said Joni Millin, event coordinator for the Kingman Downtown Merchants’ Association. “Closing the streets allows people to safely walk through downtown, enjoy the displays, visit local businesses, and really take their time experiencing everything. It’s become a true community gathering.”

The City of Kingman partnered closely with KDMA on the event and held its annual tree-lighting ceremony at nearby Locomotive Park the same evening.

This year’s event featured approximately 50 lighted floats and displays, along with expanded vendor participation. In addition to the outdoor displays, the indoors Mingle Jingle Christmas Bazaar hosted 44 vendors, with roughly 20 additional vendors set up outdoors. Organizers estimate attendance at approximately 12,000 people.

“Street of Lights has really grown into something special for our community,” said Joni Millin, event coordinator for the Kingman Downtown Merchants’ Association. “Closing the streets allows people to safely walk through downtown, enjoy the displays, visit local businesses, and really take their time experiencing everything. It’s become a true community gathering.”

The City of Kingman partnered closely with KDMA on the event and held its annual tree-lighting ceremony at nearby Locomotive Park the same evening.

BLM leadership emphasized the value of employee involvement in community events like Street of Lights, particularly when they provide opportunities for public education and positive engagement.

“Events like Street of Lights give our employees the opportunity to connect with the community outside of emergency response,” said Amanda Dodson, Kingman Field Manager. “Their participation reflects the BLM’s commitment to public service, education, and building strong relationships with the communities we serve.”

Awards for participating displays were announced following the event and shared on the Kingman Downtown Merchants’ Association’s Facebook page.