Gary Wilkerson with Sonic tells KPEL that this year's parade will be "even bigger than last year's parade, and it's now bigger than some Mardi Gras parades."  Wilkerson says it's a family event, and once again this year, veterans will be honored at the parade.

The parade will begin at 1pm where Jefferson Street meets the underpass downtown, will wind down Jefferson Street on to Johnston Street, then end up in the Oil Center Center on Heymann Blvd.

In addition to beads, candy and other throws, members of the local Shriner's Club will be collecting letters to Santa Claus.

Wilkerson says the parade will feature 10 local and state bands along with the Marine Corps Band out of New Orleans.

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