Nov. 23--The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival drew an enthusiastic throng to downtown Chicago on Saturday evening, including out-of-towners who came to watch the spectacle.
"The floats are neat. I like the lights," said Melanie Davison, who traveled from St. Louis with her two children for the parade. "The atmosphere is awesome."
For more than two decades, the festival of lights has delighted spectators downtown. This year, the parade traveled from Oak Street to Wacker Drive along Michigan Avenue.
Parents several rows back from the street held their children in the air to catch a glimpse of the festivities as floats passed. Children stood atop the Jack Brickhouse statue outside Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue to see over the heads of adults.
Davison's sister, Jennifer Gordon, lives in Elmhurst and said the family decided to "make a "" out of the parade by staying downtown and exploring.
"It's nice to start the holiday season, do a little shopping, have good meals," Gordon said.
Davison brought her two children, 8-year old Ryan and 6-year old Kate, to the parade. Gordon's 10-year old son, Luke, said his favorite float was "the big lion," put up by BMO Harris, which sponsored the festival.
Kelly Vanzeeland also traveled across state lines to attend the show. She came from Appleton, Wis., with two children and said her niece was in the parade.
"I think it's wonderful," Vanzeeland said.
The show was capped by an extended fireworks display that drew loud cheers from the crowd.
