There was plenty of holiday spirit downtown Fresno on Saturday. The 82nd annual Christmas Parade drew a massive crowd. Event organizers think as many as 20,000 people showed up to enjoy the festivities.
The Christmas Parade has been a Fresno tradition for more than eight decades, but this year it almost didn't happen. The city couldn't afford it.
That's when the community pitched in $25,000 to see the parade roll on.
Kate Borders is the CEO of PBID Partners of Downtown Fresno. She says, "The key is building lasting memories. We want people to walk away from today and have had a great time in downtown Fresno."
Dale Cross came out to the parade with his family. He's glad to see the turn out. He says, "There's been a lot of negative talk about the mall. Getting rid of the mall. Taking it out. I think it's neat they can use it for something like this."
Business downtown are hoping the parade will boost the economy.
While others walked away with a reminder of what the holidays are really about.
Stephanie Matthews says, " It's all about family, love, and sharing and thanks to God bringing the money. Here we are."
TXT 24
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