KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The streets of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek were filled with music and celebration Saturday thanks to holiday parades.

In Kalamazoo, the day started early, with Western Michigan University’s marching band warming up well before the roads closed at 10:30 a.m. for the Maple Hill Holiday Parade.

For those watching, too, the anticipation started early. Attendee Ricky Carlson told News 8 he wanted to get a good spot for his granddaughters.

“I got here about 9:15, and the hardest part is deciding what the best spot is when you can pick any spot at all,” he said.

Carlson said catching the parade with his granddaughters has been a family tradition since 2018.

The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. With a police escort, the floats and bands made their way around downtown Kalamazoo, capturing the imaginations of both young and old. There was even a special appearance from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

For attendee Kathryn Shady, it was the start of a new tradition with her daughter.

“Pretty exciting. This is her first time, and she’s having a lot of fun,” Shady told News 8.

The holiday parade has brought the Kalamazoo community together for 62 years.

Groups participating in the festivities, like YWCA Kalamazoo, say that spirit of unity is crucial.

“Putting everything aside and collaborating and partnership and getting together, in this time of the year, is extremely important,” said Andre Carr, vice president of early childhood education with YWCA Kalamazoo. “So we are here to celebrate. We’re here to have fun. That’s what the YWCA is about.”

In Battle Creek, the streets were full Saturday evening for the Christmas Parade.

This year’s theme was the songs of Christmas. More than 100 groups participated, from small businesses to school marching bands.

Some families braved the cold for hours to secure the best spot for the show.

“We came earlier, around 4:30, and set up and played at the park,” attendee Logan Welker said. “And then we set up some blankets and got all set up for the parade.”