PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - The longest, continuously running parade in the U.S. once again festively marched through Downtown Peoria on Friday morning.

At the ripe old age of 138, the Santa Claus Parade celebrates the start of the Christmas season.

Friday’s parade featured dozens of participants throwing candy to kids along the route, with more than 20 holiday-themed floats, local school marching bands, and more.

For many families, it’s a tradition to attend the parade each year. This is true for Ricardo Staker and his family, who said they have been coming since their now-grown children were small.

Staker said it’s a great way to embrace the holiday season’s beginnings.

“I get together with them. They grew up together, and what a family tradition [it is],“ he said. ”It starts the holi

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