It's the most wonderful time of the year and the most anticipated parade of the season in the Northland.  The Christmas City of the North Parade!  Bundle up the family and continue a tradition that started in 1958.  Of course, certain roadways will be closed to accommodate the parade participants and there will be some road detours.  Here is some useful information that will make your night most enjoyable.

Meteorologists of the Northland have hinted that there might be snow for the 58th Annual Christmas City of the North Parade will start at 6:25p on Friday, November 18th.  The year I marched with the Denfeld Cheer Team the new parade route was in place and that route will remain the same this year starting on Superior Street from 10th Avenue East.

You'll start to see the parade units lining up about 4p at along London Road between 10th Avenue East to 14th Avenue East, and the upper side of London Road from 14th Avenue East to 17th Avenue East. The parade then moves up to 10th Avenue East for the start, travel on Superior Street to 4th Avenue West.

The following information has been provided by the City of Duluth Police Department:

ROAD CLOSURES:
London Road will close to vehicle traffic at 4:00 p.m. from 10th Avenue East to 14th Avenue East, including 12th and 13th Avenue East. Superior Street and Michigan Street will close to vehicle traffic at 5:45 p.m., vehicles will be allowed to exit Michigan Street
lots and ramps, but will be directed down to the 5th Avenue West off ramp.

For convenience of the parade participants and spectators you'll find plenty of free parking in Downtown Duluth on the evening of the parade after 5pm.

NO PARKING:
Be aware of the No Parking signs, violators will be tagged and towed.
• No Parking after 10 a.m. - 5 meters in front of the Pickwick near Superior Street on the East side.
• No Parking after 12 p.m. - The meters on the upper side of Fitger's Inn
• No Parking after 3 p.m. - London Road, both sides, from 10th Ave E to 14th Ave E
• London Road, upper side, from 14th Ave E to 17th Ave E
• 12th and 13th Ave E from London Road to Superior Street
• Jefferson Street from13th to 14th Ave E
• The Rose Garden Parking Lot
• No Parking after 4 p.m. - Michigan Street from 5th Ave W to 4th Ave W.
• No Parking after 5 p.m. - Superior Street from 10th Ave E to 5th Ave W

DTA:
Buses will use 1st Street for westbound runs and 2nd Street for East bound runs.

JEFFERSON BUS LINES:
Buses will be allowed access to the Duluth Transportation Center on Michigan Street.

DETOURS:
Superior Street East bound traffic will be detoured up to 2nd Street at 6th Avenue West to continue east bound. West bound traffic will be sent up 14th Avenue East from London Road and up 10th Avenue East from Superior Street to continue West bound on 1st
Street. Lake Avenue will be blocked off at 1st Street and at the freeway ramps on the Lake Avenue Viaduct. Access to Canal Park, Park Point, and the DECC will be at 5th Avenue West to the connector to Railroad Street, and from the freeway exits onto 5th Avenue West and South Lake Avenue.

Downtown traffic should return to normal by approximately 8:30 p.m. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for pedestrians when driving the area of this event.

SUGGESTED PARADE PARKING:

Shoppers Auto Park—18 N. 2nd Ave West
Fourth Avenue Auto Park—402 W. Michigan Street
US Bank Ramp—230 W. Michigan Street
Tech Village Ramp—10 E. First Street
1st and 1st Lot-- 123 East First Street
Medical District Ramp—302 E. First Street
Fitger’s---600 E. Superior Street
Phoenix Parking Lot---98 N. 4th Ave West
St. Luke's Hospital Ramp—1020 E. First Street
St. Luke’s Employee Parking Lot—119 N. 12th Ave East

Downtown traffic should return to normal by approximately 8:30 pm.

This year kids should bring their letters for Santa to speed up the delivery!  There will be  US Postal Service mail carriers on the route towards the end of the parade to collect them.

Information via:  City of Duluth Police Department Press Release

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