CHICAGO (WLS) – Thanksgiving festivities took over a crowded State Street on a brisk Thursday morning as part of the 90th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.

“We’re starting to get cold,” said Chris Janick of Leland, Illinois. “We actually came out last night, got a hotel room and wanted to see this parade.”

The annual parade brings together people from across the city and country…this holiday season – a unique celebration of music and culture – in the heart of the Loop.

“I really think it’s the way all cultural groups come here to perform,” said parade-goer Ashley Berry. “I just love all the colors and variety we have. It feels like a really good showcase of everything Chicago has to offer.”

Marching bands from across the country took over State Street along with musical performances and dancing.

Nayeli Lopez traveled all the way from South Texas to perform there.

“We are very, very excited. It is an honor to represent our Mexican culture and Laredo, Texas,” said Lopez.

Others like Riley Dominiak are from the Chicago area and represent Musical Theater Works.

“I’ve never performed in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade before, so this is a fun little moment to experience,” Riley Dominiak said.

Thanksgiving is ushered in step by step and layer by layer.

“I’m just trying to move around a little bit to stay warm because I can’t feel my feet right now,” said parade-goer Jazminne Jara.

The big man himself, Santa Claus, also made an appearance before his return on December 25th.