"Toys, Treasures and Traditions" is the theme for this year's 124th Peoria Santa Claus Parade. The parade starts at 10:15 Friday morning. Parade chairperson Susie Stockman says there's a new look to one of the more popular attractions this year.
"We have redone the Viking ship," Stockman says. "We have added water to the base of it so it looks like it's in the ocean instead of on a trailer."
There are 82 units this year including 7 local bands. That number is down three from last year, Stockman says, because the Dunlap school district will not be represented.
"They wanted to spend time with their extended families this year," says Stockman. "We do have all the District 150 high school bands, Roosevelt Magnet School, Concordia Lutheran School, Lewistown and Havana coming in."
The parade will follow its usual route beginning at Monroe and Greene Streets. Then following Monroe to Main Street, Main to Jefferson, Jefferson to Liberty, Liberty to Adams and along Adams to Courthouse Plaza.
Stockman says planning will begin right away in January for next year's milestone 125th annual parade.
