(Photo By Flickr User 4nitsirk)

The 126th Annual Santa Claus Parade, the longest running holiday parade in the country, steps off at 10:15am on Thanksgiving Friday, November 29th. Make sure you join in this great River City tradition as the parade takes a magical journey through the downtown streets of Peoria, IL. The 88 units of costumed characters, novelty walking units, horse units and decorated floats will surely get you in the holiday spirit and certainly delight the children along the route.

Here is a recap of some of the entry winners that were in last year's parade:

'12 AWARD WINNERS
Best Commercial Float 1st Place: South Side Bank
Best Commercial Float 2nd Place: Wildlife Prairie Park
Best Non Profit Float 1st Place:    Peoria Park District
Best Non Profit Float 2nd Place:   The Frakes Family
Best Novelty Entry Elf Award:       Illinois Valley Wheel
Best New Entry:                          Illinois Valley Wheel
Best Religious Entry:                   Prince of Peace M. B. Church
Best Overall Unit SANTA AWARD: South Side Bank

          BAND JUDGES                                BAND STATS CREW

Music: Frank Payton- Illinois State University; Mandy Eubank    

Showmanship: Joe Manfredo- Illinois State University; Henry Sinclair

Marching: Dr. David Vroman- Bradley University; Art Oakford

BAND AWARD WINNERS:

        Class A/AA       Class B          Class C/D         Grade/ Jr. High
1st: Richwoods H.S. Havana H.S.   Lewistown H.S. Concordia Lutheran School
2nd: Peoria H.S.      Manual H.S.                            Roosevelt Magnet School

Grand Champion Trophy – Havana High School 

For more details on the 126th Annual Santa Parade, log online to www.peoriaevents.com, right now!

Happy Holidays & Be Blessed!!