The City of Jackson and Downtown merchants are readying Michigan Avenue for the annual Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade this Friday. The parade steps off at 6PM and travels east on Michigan Avenue from First Street to Francis Street. The parade features lighted floats, marching bands, clowns, characters and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Downtown stores and restaurants will be open with many offering specials following the parade. The Jackson District Library will be holding an open house with activities and refreshments from 4 to 8pm; the Michigan Theatre will be hosting Santa for photos at 7pm, with a free Christmas movie along with hot chocolate and brownies. The community Christmas Tree, in Horace Blackman Park will be lit as the parade passes. This is the 25th annual Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade according to Parade Chairman Ed Hatfield. All streets and parking lots will be open in the vicinity of the parade (with the exception of the parade route). New Christmas and Holiday lighting has been added throughout the downtown and stores and restaurants are decorating their display windows. The parade, library open house and Michigan Theatre movie are all free and open to the public.
