The tree is lit... a sign the 50th Annual Christmas City of the North Parade is just around the corner. 65 Floats, marching bands, and other performers will soon take to the streets of downtown Duluth.

But before getting to that point, a lot of time has been spent behind the scenes.

LeAnn Wallace joins us from out in front of the station where the 50th annual Christmas City of the North Parade will begin.

LeAnn what's happening out there right now?

Michelle,

Floats, bands and other performers have worked hundreds of hours perfecting their displays and performances and very soon now they will finally get to show off what they've practiced.
Excitement is in the air.

"I am... I'm really excited."

Hours of band practice will finally pay off as students from Superior High School line up and get ready for their spot in the parade.
((NAT SOUND: BAND MUSIC))

Meanwhile those building floats spent this week putting on the final touches.

((NAT SOUND: HAIR DRYER))

"It's a lot more work than you think, about 100 hours went into it and 20 people, a lot bigger project than we thought."
There is one thing that most every participant in the parade has been mentally preparing for...the chilly temperatures.

"We've been out in the cold every day so we're kind of used to it I mean it's Wisconsin/Minnesota it's never been this cold for the parade though...yeah."

As I'm sure George will tell us next, the weather is chilly... but as you can see that's not stopping the large crowd that has already gathered to watch the festivities. There are plenty of hot drinks... coffee, hot chocolate, and you know if you bundle up it's actually not that bad out here. Michelle.

LeAnn what about parking? Is that going to be an issue?

Well the route of the parade is the same as last year. The parade will travel east on Railroad Street to Lake Avenue, then west on Superior Street... Which will make commuting and parking difficult in some areas, but as far as downtown parking, most ramps and meters will be free for the event.