If the public enthusiasm that was exhibited at Friday's 40th annual Butler Christmas Parade continues through Dec. 25, this will be an upbeat holiday season on the local front.

A large crowd of people lined Main Street - and many came early for a good viewing vantage point - to see bands, floats, emergency vehicles and numerous other parade participants. Meanwhile, children watched and waited patiently for the star of the parade - Santa Claus - who apparently also experienced a surge of anticipation and excitement, having seen some remnants of the Thanksgiving Day snow flurries in the county on his way to the city.

Meanwhile, because of the importance of the holiday season to area merchants, it was good to see so many people converging on area stores for holiday bargains. And, area communities' efforts at decorating for the holidays should not go unnoticed.

Friday's parade was an indicator that the holiday season has gotten off to a good start. Hopefully it will continue in that positive mode.