CANTON — Canton’s annual Christmas parade through downtown will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday. But the fun begins earlier in the afternoon in Cannon Park.

Musical performers and vendors will be in Cannon Park beginning at noon. Musicians include church and school groups as well as solo performers and bands.

Santa Claus will join in on the fun from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in the park’s gazebo.

This year’s parade, sponsored by the Canton Optimist Club for the 25th year, will be the first Canton Christmas parade conducted in the evening.

Parade watchers can expect to be dazzled by lighted floats during the parade.

“We thought it would be a little more festive. With the street lights and the decorations in town, we thought it would really stand out,” Richard Rogers of the Canton Optimist Club said.

About 55 groups have signed up to participate in the parade.

The parade route will travel through downtown beginning on Waleska Street, marching down Main Street and looping around on North Street to finish on Waleska Street.

Rogers said he is anticipating a good turnout for the afternoon and evening.

“It looks like the weather’s going to be pretty good for it,” he said.