GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The 104th annual Gentex Santa Parade in downtown Grand Rapids drew thousands of spectators Saturday evening, followed by a Christmas tree-lighting.
The parade got underway at 5 p.m. with cloudy skies and relatively comfortable temperatures around 40 degrees. Baton twirlers, the Grand Rapids Jaycees' wagon, city vehicles, marching bands and floats like the Abominable Snowman delighted those who lined the route, which ended near Rosa Parks Circle.
A big ceremony was held there, with former Detroit Lions receiver great Herman Moore - who was the parade grand marshal - helping to flip the switch to illuminate the 37-foot-tall Concolor Fir tree just outside the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Santa Claus was there for all of it, signing autographs and making merry with the huge crowd that did not totally disperse for hours.
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Photo: Photo by: James Gemmell
Photo: Photo by: James Gemmell
Photo: Photo by: James Gemmell