Santa comes to town for Xmas Parade, Tree Lighting

MARQUETTE — It’s one of Marquette’s most popular events this time of the year. The 41st Annual Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony took over the downtown area Friday night.

Just after 6:00 p.m., hundreds of people, both young and young at heart, lined the streets and watched as Santa and his friends made their way down Fair Avenue, then to Third Street before ending at the Marquette Commons. And thanks to a little Christmas magic, Santa, who made his way down from the North Pole, was able to light up the Commons Christmas Tree.

“We were able to pull some strings to get Santa to come down,” said Tara Laase-McKinney of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority. “We asked him very nicely and he came down to do a big favor for us. It’s really great to see families come out with their kids. You see multiple generations come out- grandmas and grandpas who brought their kids when they were little out and now their grandkids are coming out with their parents as well,” she added.

“The parade was fantastic. The only thing missing is snow!” said Santa Claus.

And before he made his way back up north, Santa took a little time to talk with the kids and ask them what they wanted for Christmas.