21 Photos: Joliet's 2021 Light Up The Holidays Parade

JOLIET, IL — For the first time in two years, Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Parade returned to downtown Joliet and thousands of people packed North Chicago Street to watch.

The parade featured fire trucks, police vehicles, political incumbents as well as people running for office in 2022, dozens of floats, Catholic schools and children's athletic teams.

There were junior high bands and high school bands, and plenty of free candy being distributed along the parade route, and of course, Santa, waiving to the crowd from his sleigh at the end.

At least 90 units were entered in the parade, and the parade lasted about an hour.

The festivities began around 5:15 p.m. as Mayor Bob O'Dekirk was helped by child Audrey Rodriguez to light the city's giant Christmas tree put up at Van Buren Plaza.

"All right, let's countdown, everybody! In five, four, three, two, one, Merry Christmas everybody," the master of ceremonies told the crowd.