Holiday revelers of all ages oohed and awed at the floats, marching bands, dance schools, animals and Santa Claus as they slowly made their way along Main Street in Butler during the 53rd annual Spirit of Christmas parade Saturday evening.

The parade was the highlight of a day full of activities held downtown to welcome the Christmas season.

Jennifer Wagner and Amanda Connors, both of Butler, brought their combined crew of seven young children and their friends to watch the parade from the crowded sidewalk.

“The kids love it. They are having so much fun,” Wagner said.

She and Connors said they attend the parade very year and enjoy the community spirit that the parade brings out in people.

“It brings a lot of people together,” Wagner said.

Raina Lewandowski of Butler liked a lot about the parade.

“The songs. Dancing. The animals,” she said, watching with her mother Lisa.

The four-legged parade marchers included alpacas, ponies, horses, goats and, of course, dogs brought by various organizations and businesses.

“I like seeing all the people I know in the parade and the kids dancing,” Lisa Lewandowski said.

Nathaniel and Sarah Poole of Butler joined their two young children Lucas and Lilly in wearing their Christmas pajamas to the watch the parade.

“It's more fun. It keeps me warm too,” Sarah said about her comfy looking sleepwear.

While Lucas and Lilly waited for Santa's float, Sarah said the Butler High School band was her favorite marching unit.