Left, Santa’s on his way to Stevens Point tonight- sans reindeer. (stock image)

By Brandi Makuski

The 25th Annual Christmas Parade takes place Friday night on Main Street in Downtown Stevens Point.

This year’s parade theme is “Countdown to Christmas”. The city tree lighting takes place at 6 PM, with the parade to follow at 6:15.

Parade organizer Jami Gebert says 75 floats and vehicles are in this year’s parade. Area businesses and churches, fire engines, radio stations, scouting/4-H troops and others are all included this year, along with what Gebert called a “fantastic float” from Marshfield Rotary Club showcasing the Winter Wonderland at Marshfield’s Wildwood Park.

Gebert also said Pacelli, SPASH and Amherst marching bands will be apart of the event.

Parade goers should bundle up for tonight’s festivities, as the temperature at the start of the parade will sit around 26 degrees and will drop through the evening. Winds are expected to remain minor at about 8 mph tonight.

The parade will wrap up, as usual, with the Stevens Point Trolley, accompanied by Santa Claus. Gebert said youngsters along the parade route should be vigilant, since Santa will be riding the trolley part of the time, and walking the route at other times.

“He’s tried, you know. It’s a long flight from the North Pole,” Gebert said.