By Sharon Ko
ASHLAND, Ore. -- With the flip of a switch, Santa Claus lit up the city of Ashland.
It started off around 1 p.m. in the afternoon with a brass quintet playing for some crowds and shoppers. Some other performers also played on the plaza like the Rogue Valley Peace Choir and the Fusion Force Dancers. Along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, some elves and toy soldiers appeared in the parade - a new feature this year.
After the parade, parents and children gather in the center of the plaza for the Grand Illumination. Thousands filled the plaza to cheer on Santa and his elves as he brought the twinkle to the holiday season. Organizers say they expected a lot of people.
"We usually see about 15,000 people that come down. You know, many folks have friends and family in town and we invite folks from the region to come," Marketing Director Katharine Flanagan.
After the parade, parents and kids met Santa and took pictures at the Black Swan Theatre.
