Although it got off to a rather dismal start weatherwise, the Hermitage Holiday Light Parade has quickly become a holiday tradition for many in and around the Shenango Valley.

Now in its sixth year, the parade is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 22. It attracts about 15,000 people a year. They line East State Street between Kerrwood Drive and the Shenango Valley Mall to watch more than 65 units, from marching bands and decorated cars to horse-mounted patrols and tractor-trailer-based floats.

Cold weather isn't a deterrent and warm weather really brings people out. Only wet, blowing rain or snow will hamper attendance, said Assistant City Manager Gary M. Gulla.

"We're just hoping for good weather," City Manager Gary P. Hinkson said of this year's parade.

The crowds can be so thick that parade organizers started two years ago placing Hickory High School students along the parade route to help keep people in an organized line and out of the way of the units.

"We had trouble even getting the parade down the route," Gulla said.

The students then help with cleanup.

On the day of the parade, float preparation starts at about 7 a.m. for some entries. Others work on their decorations in the weeks before the parade and show up with a finished unit.

030509