About 15,000 revelers gathered today to celebrate the 2015 Blade Downtown Holiday Parade.
Among the parade's 75 participating groups were mascots, marching bands, and Christmas-themed floats. It stepped off on Summit Street at Jefferson Avenue and concluded on Monroe Street near Huron Street.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Blade Holiday Parade in downtown Toledo
Kathy LaFountain, 51, watches the parade nearly every year. She said the classic cars, horses, and clowns are highlights.
“Every year there's something new, so that's why it's worth coming out,” said Ms. LaFountain of Toledo.
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For Darick Scott, attending the parade marked an annual tradition in his family. He watched with his daughter, D'asia Scott, 5, as the floats went by on Summit.
“If she enjoys it, I enjoy it. Anything to make her smile,” said Mr. Scott, 36, of Toledo.
An event like this, with its large crowd and festive atmosphere, serves as a positive showcase for the city, he said.
“Everybody comes together. Kids, candy, and balloons. You can't beat it,” he said.
This was the 29th annual Blade holiday parade downtown. Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Romules Durant served as grand marshal, while of course Santa Claus brought up the rear.
After the parade, The Blade and The Andersons will hold a ceremonial slicing of a 4,800-pound Holiday Cheddar at The Andersons Store, 4701 Talmadge Rd. The slicing is scheduled for 3 p.m.
First Published November 14, 2015, 4:57 p.m.
