It sure does feel like Christmas.

The 29th annual "Welcome Santa Parade" kicked off in Downtown Akron on Saturday.

The parade started at 11:00 am and featured over 75 units including marching bands, floats, costume characters, dance groups and area organizations.

"I was happy to be in the parade," St. Sebastian's Arabelle Loyed said.

There were thousands of spectators along Main Street in front of Lock 3 to watch old St. Nick come to town. Spectators will also be treated to a mini concert from Nuance, an 18-member, all-male a cappella group from The University of Akron, along with other activities.

Arabelle's mother Marie said it was her kids first time being in the parade. She said they had a lot of fun and she enjoyed it as well.

"I think it's great. They enjoyed playing in the band. They enjoyed marching in it. Even though it was cold and wet."

Marie said it's different as a parent when Christmas rolls around. She said it makes her happy seeing the smile on her kids faces during this time of year.

"A lot of fun. I get to see family and get to see the kids enjoy Christmas. So it's that's the best part."

As for what's on Arabelle's Christmas list, she said she wants a Maestro toy from Santa that plays beats, while having to match the colors it plays.

The parade's media sponsors were our very own radio stations WAKR-AM, WONE-FM and WQMX-FM. WAKR's Jasen Sokol of the "Jasen Sokol Show" emceed the event.