Flashing lights, floats of merry, marching bands and lights aplenty will move down Main Street on Saturday.

Following activities throughout the day, the 55th annual Spirit of Christmas parade participants will be on the move starting at 5:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Peoples Gas and Butler Radio Network.

From noon until the time of the parade, activities such as a petting zoo, skating rink and more will be available for visiting families.

At the Main Street parking lot near Peoples Natural Gas, there will be a petting zoo alongside Turkey Hill Dairy's Giant Cow, where people will find free ice cream samples.

Nearby in Peoples' parking lot, a synthetic skating rink will be available for free 15-minute sessions. Skates are provided or guests can bring their own.

A warming station will be available at the Butler City Fire Department with complimentary hot cocoa.

This year, the event has partnered with the Butler Area Public Library to host Storyland.

Peter Bass, the library's assistant director, said there will be fun, literacy-themed holiday activities for children from noon to 4 p.m.

He said it will also be another opportunity to further celebrate the library's 125th year in Butler.

“All year long, we've been trying to remind the public about the roots of the library,” Bass said.

Lori Hinderliter, the library's director, said there will be readings by Mrs. Claus, crafts and games.

“Children have always been a focus for the library,” she said. “We have a wealth of children's books in our library.”

Hinderliter said the library will also have a booth with information that promotes its services to children and their parents.

Butler Transit Authority's Stuff the Bus collection will return this year.

Those interested can donate new toys and clothing at the Main Street Parking Lot near Peoples Gas from noon to 3 p.m.

If a donor misses Saturday's event, the transit authority has two more collections scheduled: Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Clearview Mall's food court entrance, and Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Target parking lot.

Saturday's holiday festivities will coincide with Butler Downtown's Small Business Saturday, which means shopping local could include some deals and discounts.