Residents and visitors alike will line the streets in downtown Perry this evening for the annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

Perry Chamber Executive Director Bob Wilson says the yearly tradition serves as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.

“Once the Lighted Christmas Parade is in, it’s like the holidays are in full effect.  So you’ve done all of your local shopping on Black Friday, every penny you have saved up has been put into our local economy, what better way to just sit and relax than to watch a parade out on the street at seven o’clock at night?”

Any individuals, families, businesses or organizations who would like to participate in the parade should line up near DMACC at 6pm.

Following the parade, everyone is invited to stop by the Festival of Trees at the Carnegie Library Museum and the Hotel Pattee where Santa will be there along with live music and hot chocolate.