CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Thousands of people gathered for a day of free fun activities ahead of the Mag Mile Lights Festival Parade.
The festival is underway with one million lights, spanning 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue Saturday. Longtime Mag Mile resident Lynn told WBBM that she thinks family- friendly festivals like these are wonderful.
"We hope more people will come to downtown Chicago to enjoy it...can't think of a better place."
Lynn's cousin Michael, also a downtown resident, said he's been attending the festival for 25 years.
"It's a beautiful day today. Chicago's a pretty city and I love their festivals," he added.
Anne came out with her cousin Samantha and aunt, who were visiting Chicago from Arkansas for the first time.
"It's a very big city, but it's really nice," Samantha said. She said the big buildings were "really nice, but kind of intimidating."
Street closures on the Mag Mile started at about 3:30 p.m. to make way for Mickey and Minnie, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with 40 floats, nearly 400 marching band performers and three giant helium balloons for the parade, which is set to kick off at about 5:30 p.m.
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