In the photo above, a city snowplow decorated in a “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” theme drives along Third Street in Marquette as spectators look on. In the photoat right, Darth Vader and other characters from “Star Wars” walk in the parade on Friday. Area residents came out in droves to usher in the season Friday during the Marquette Downtown Development Authority’s 13th annual Downtown Marquette Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade and tree lighting event. The parade started at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome and traversed south along Third Street to the Marquette Commons. Onlookers were treated to illuminated floats, brightly decorated vehicles and festive music along the route. Following the parade, 41 West Christian Fellowship performed live holiday music while Santa Claus helped to light the holiday tree at the commons. The Marquette Post Office also collected letters written by area children to old Saint Nick. (Journal photos by Justin Marietti)