ARLINGTON — Hundreds of participants, attendees and organizers chose a perfect day for a parade.

Sunny skies and chilly weather greeted community members during the city’s annual Hometown Holiday festivities Saturday, Dec. 5.

Starting at noon, residents watched parade participants from Arlington and beyond traverse down North Olympic Avenue.

Many paraders — both human and animal alike — donned holiday garb from head to toe as they waved at spectators during the approximately 30-minute parade.

“It’s a great day for a parade,” said Arlington Fire Chief Jim Rankin. “We’ve got a lot more folks out here than last year it looks like.”

City employees also collected canned food from parade participants.

After the parade, residents had a chance to meet at Legion Park where organizers lit the city’s Christmas tree.

Santa Claus — who waved at parade attendees during the parade — was on hand from 1-3 p.m. in the Legion Park Gazebo. Free covered wagon rides, sponsored by the Downtown Arlington Business Association, were also offered to residents.

Community members who were unable to attend the parade will still have a chance to take part in wagon rides on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Arlington.

Santa Claus will also be available for pictures during that time, and Victorian singers are scheduled to serenade residents in downtown Arlington.

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