Blink lights up a new opening night tradition

State of play: Ready. Set. Blink! is the new opening celebration Thursday near TQL Stadium, which aims to preserve the parade's community spirit at the start of four days together.

What to expect: The free kickoff event runs 4-9pm on Central Parkway with live music, food, interactive art and hands-on activities.

• Groups that previously marched will perform flash-mob-style among the crowd.
• Guests are invited to wear their own light art and costumes.
• Lovelytheband performs at 6:45pm before the lights come on an hour later, followed by a drone show.

What they're saying: "The parade was awesome," Mooney tells Axios.

• She knows firsthand — before taking charge this year, she led the Clifton Cultural Arts Center and participated in the parade.
• But after four iterations, she says it was time to experiment: "We need to innovate and try to just change things up."

The big picture: It's part of a larger balancing act between returning favorites and keeping things fresh, Mooney says.

• She estimates about 20% of this year's projection buildings are new, while landmarks like Music Hall return.

New experiences include an Asha Ama fashion show and a temporary skatepark. There are even live performances woven into installations across the two-state footprint.

• "We've got to keep it interesting," Mooney says.