Santa Parade Fills Downtown With Christmas Cheer

PEORIA- After 125 years, the Santa Parade is still bringing Christmas spirit into downtown Peoria.

The crowd arrived early, eager to get the best spot along the side walk. Onlookers bundled up under coats and blankets to brave the cold. Dozens and dozens of floats passed by for what was almost two hours of a Peoria holiday tradition.

Marching bands filled the chilly air and kids rushed to collect candy tossed from the floats. A few people said what they were excited about.

"We're here to see Santa!" Maureen Courtney said.

"This is the first time we're bringing my granddaughters to the parade we're all excited about it... I came here when I was a little girl!" Sandy Rachel said.

A few of the floats stood out this year, here are some of the award winners:

Best Commercial Float:
1st- South Side Bank
2nd- Wildlife Prairie Park

Best Non-Profit Float:
1st-Peoria Park District
2nd- The Frakes Family

Best Novelty Entry: Illinois Valley Wheel

Best New Entry: Illinois Valley Wheel

Best Overall Unit: South Side Bank