Mayor Andrea Davis opened a community light parade and the ceremonial lighting of the Bitterroot Trail on Saturday, saying the project installed approximately 182 lights over about 3 miles of trail to improve safety while following the city’s dark‑sky initiative.

"This has been something I have been looking forward to for months," Mayor Andrea Davis said, noting the trail connects neighborhoods and is an important commuter corridor for people who bike and walk to work and school.

Catherine, a representative of Missoula in Motion, gave a brief safety briefing before the ride and told attendees to stay together, keep to the right on the trail and warn others when passing. She said Mayor Davis would lead the group and that "Ashley is going to be the caboose," and that volunteers were stationed at intersections to help manage traffic.

"There are other people using the trail. It's a beautiful night. So let's not take up the whole trail," Catherine said, urging riders to travel slowly and yield when needed.

Nathan McLeod, associate director of planning, design and projects for City of Missoula Parks and Recreation, thanked project partners and framed the lighting as a partnership achievement. "This project really sheds a light on what strong partnerships can do, and it truly glows with community spirit," McLeod said, describing the trail as "the main circuit of Missoula's active commuter network" now fully lit to guide users year‑round.

Carl England, chair of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency board, placed the project in a longer history of trail development, saying Missoula first pursued a trail system idea in 1980 and that the MRA’s funding mechanism has allowed continued work over decades.

Speakers acknowledged contributions from Cushing Terrell (design, with Alan Broneck named), electrical contractor DJ's Electric, Northwestern Energy and Missoula in Motion, and thanked city departments including public works and parks and recreation. Mayor Davis noted a "$8,000 rebate from the Northwestern Energy" energy efficiency program during her remarks.

Organizers led a countdown and turned on the lights; attendees were then directed to ride toward the river and finish at the Old Sawmill District, where hot cocoa and cider were available. The event included volunteer intersection coverage and reminders that cars and other trail users remain present on the corridor.

No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the gathering; the event was presented as a ceremonial community celebration and an operational upgrade to the trail.

Looking ahead, city staff and partners said the lighting will support year‑round commuting and increase visibility on a key local corridor, while aligning fixtures with Missoula's dark‑sky goals to limit upward light spill.