The 31st annual Canton Optimist Club Christmas Parade will fill the historic downtown loop the evening of Saturday, Dec. 1, with each parade participant this year encouraged to donate at least one toy to benefit the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch or MUST Ministries.

An estimated 2,000 people are expected to turn out for the parade, according to the Optimists’ event application with the city. Streets will be closed at 5:30 p.m., and the parade will step off at 6 p.m.

Pre-parade performances will start at noon – a stage will be set up at Main and South Church Street – and Santa will be in the gazebo from 3 to 5 p.m.

Parade participants are expected to include 10 motorized floats, 10 towed floats and 20 groups walking. Information: https://bit.ly/2A5QNya