Parade ushers in holiday season

Everyone loves a parade, especially when it signals the start of the holiday season. Labeled one of the largest and best such events in the Midwest, the 2015 Blade Downtown Holiday Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, offering giant helium balloons, floats, mascots, marching bands, clowns, Santa Claus, Shriners, equestrians, and specialty units.