Thousands pack Visalia's Main Street for 72nd Candy Cane Lane Parade

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Candy Cane Lane Parade organizers estimate 30,000 people attended the event, which had a 'Winter Wonderland' theme this year.

The parade also had 115 entries.

There were dancers, high school marching bands, and festive floats created by local businesses and organizations.

"It's actually really long and really nice and it's amazing," said Joshua Martinez, who is from San Diego but has family in Hanford. "So we've had fun since we got here and it's just been a nice atmosphere."

Organizers say a lot of preparation goes into keeping the atmosphere safe too.

Earlier Monday, Visalia Police tweeted a photo showing officers from different agencies meeting before the parade.

While it was going on, those officers were highly visible, patrolling the entire parade route.

"It's a Visalia tradition for 72 years and as you can see, no matter how cold it is, hot it is, rain or shine, people come out to see this every single year," said Lara Shewman, with Downtown Visalians.

The weather was a little chilly, but that didn't deter the Johnson family from coming.

"We're prepared, we got hot chocolate, coats, we're good," Phil Johnson said.

They parked their truck here at around noon and came back at 6:30.

While the sidewalks were packed with people, the Johnson's had prime parade viewing from the truck bed.

"It's just been a good community event," Johnson said.