Northland tradition marches on Friday night

A holiday tradition brings marching bands, colorful floats and even Santa Claus to the Twin Ports Friday. The Christmas City of the North Parade kicks off at 6:20 p.m. in downtown Duluth.

The parade route begins at the Northland’s NewsCenter Studios in Canal Park, 246 S. Lake Ave., and travels north on Lake Avenue to Superior Street, ending at Fifth Avenue West. This year’s parade features nearly 70 groups including 20 bands, nine dance groups, local royalty courts plus the big guy in red.

The Superior High School Marching Band will be playing during the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Minnesota Power, 30 W. Superior St., prior to the parade. The tree lighting will kick-off the Northland's NewsCenter's 5 p.m. news broadcast.

Everyone is welcome to watch along the parade route. Free parking is available downtown after 5 p.m. in ramps at Fitger’s, the Technology Village, Shoppers Auto Park, Lake Superior Plaza, Fourth Avenue Auto Park, Wells Fargo Bank, US Bank and Fond-du-Luth Casino.

The parade is broadcast live on KBJR-TV and online at www.northlandsnewscenter.com. Aside from the live broadcast on KBJR 6 and Range 11, this year’s parade also will be rebroadcast numerous times during the holiday season.

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