Students with the Susquehanna Dance Academy perform at last year’s parade.
It’s almost that time of the year again.
In a long-running tradition, Harrisburg will ring in the holiday season with its annual downtown parade, slated this year for Saturday, Nov. 19.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Very Vibrant Holiday,” with marchers kicking off at 10 a.m. from Front and Market streets. The parade then will wind its way from Market Street to 2nd Street, up 2nd to North Street, then back down Front Street.
The parade will feature giant parade balloons, marching band and dance/step/drill team performances, decorated floats, characters and, of course, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
After the parade, attendees can head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa, enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies and find out the winners for best marching band, dance/step/drill team and “Best in Theme” winners.
Marching bands are awarded $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place and $200 for 3rd place, along with trophies. The top-three dance/step/drill teams receive trophies and the “Best in Theme” winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card and trophy.
Parade-goers can get four hours of free street parking in the downtown area using the code LUVHBG in the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 rate is also available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Market Square Garage.
This year’s holiday parade is sponsored by Cargill, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore Harrisburg, Mid Penn Bank, Capital Blue Cross, Belco Community Credit Union, Xfinity, Staybridge Suites, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, Spirit Sound & Light and Park HBG.
For more information and a map route, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov/parade.
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