For Salem City, the annual Magic of Christmas Parade marks the beginning of the holiday season celebration.
SALEM -- The Christmas season has officially arrived in Salem City.
Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day for the festivities that visitors wait for each year.
In the morning, the annual Magic of Christmas parade marched along Broadway.
Floats, fire trucks, marching groups, bands, al took part. The most-awaited guest, of course, was Santa Claus who arrived in the city on a fire truck.
One of the Christmas gifts to all was the near-completion of the installation of new crosswalks and the bump outs along Broadway. Most all of the metal plates, the traffic cones and detours were gone allowing the parade a wide path along the street.
Following the parade came the annual Yuletide Tour. Historic homes and public buildings were open to visitors.
On the streets visitors crossed paths with a Revolutionary War re-enactors.
Holiday greens decorated the homes. The homeowners warmly greeted visitors who come from throughout the region to see the historic homes.
A community Christmas tree lighting was scheduled for Saturday evening.
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