The Fresno Christmas parade is back on.
The PBID Partners of Downtown Fresno has agreed to take over the annual parade that will celebrate its 82nd year on Dec. 10.
Last month, city officials pulled the plug on the parade, citing budget constraints. The parade costs $15,000 to $20,000.
A downtown fixture for decades, the annual parade draws hundreds every year. And downtown supporters did not want to let it die.
Kate Borders, president and CEO of PBID Partners of Downtown Fresno, said it made sense for the organization to sponsor the parade. The private, nonprofit's nearly $1 million budget is dedicated to revitalizing downtown Fresno.
"And this is part of that revitalization effort," Borders said.
As the event's new sponsor, Borders said, PBID is trying to change the parade route to go down Fulton Mall and Kern Street where many downtown merchants have their shops.
"We want to do what events are supposed to do," Borders said. "And that is bring people to businesses doorsteps."
Read the complete story at fresnobee.com