MARQUETTE — Now that the Thanksgiving season is finally behind us, we can finally set our sights to the holidays ahead. One of the earlier events during the Christmas season kicks things off in Downtown Marquette.

The Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade is this Friday night. Organized by the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, the parade is sure to be chock–full of people ready to begin celebrating Christmas.

“It’s just a fun, warm way to spread the holiday cheer and kick off the holiday season,” said Tara Laase-McKinney, Promotions and Events Coordinator for the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.

There will be a special guest during the parade — Santa Claus will be there, and he might even be collecting letters from kids.

“If kids have letter’s they’d like to send to Santa, they can do that at the parade. The post office will be on hand collecting letters to Santa, they just need to remember to put a return address so that Santa can write them back,” said  Laase-McKinney.

The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by the tree lighting.