Officials from both Harrisburg and Christmas announced the details of Saturday’s holiday parade today.
Food trucks, marching bands and live reindeer will flood the streets of downtown Harrisburg this weekend for the city’s annual holiday parade, which will take place rain or shine on Saturday.
Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced details of the parade at a press conference this morning in city hall, where he was joined by performers and corporate sponsors.
“Events like this bring people to the city in droves,” Papenfuse said. “The city has improved so much in the past few years, and this is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the holiday.”
The $20,000 event budget was funded entirely by sponsorships, Papenfuse said.
The parade will begin at the Market Street Bridge at noon, traveling its customary route up 2nd Street to North Street, before continuing to Front Street and concluding on City Island.
This year’s theme is “A Storybook Season,” Papenfuse said. More than 90 parade entrants will provide entertainment, including marching bands, local celebrities, vintage and classic cars and costumed performers.
The procession will also feature giant inflatables, including a gingerbread man that requires 24 handlers, Papenfuse said.
Event highlights this year include a photo station with two live reindeer at State and 2nd streets.
Free carnival games will be stationed on Market Street between Front and 2nd streets for the duration of the parade, along with 10 food trucks offering everything from Brazilian cuisine to crab cakes.
A food guide with a complete list of menu items is available on www.harrisburgpa.gov.
The afternoon’s festivities also will be broadcast on Channel 20. Residents who don’t want to brave the cold can join the after-party at Strawberry Square beginning at 3 p.m.
There, revelers can take photos with Santa, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and watch encore performances from step teams, drill teams and marching bands.
The best teams as picked by a panel of judges will receive cash prizes, which range up to $500 and help performing groups purchase uniforms and instruments, Papenfuse said.
A new prize for the “best in theme” parade entry will also be awarded this year.
The Market Square garage will offer a $10 flat rate special for parade day. Motorists can also redeem four hours of free parking by using the promo code LUVHBG on the ParkMobile app.
The forecast is looking good for Saturday, Papenfuse said, currently calling for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-40s.
