SCHENECTADY – So, you to take the family to see the Gazette Holiday Parade in Schenectady on Saturday night, but where do you park and where's a good place to see it? 

"Free parking is available in the Broadway Parking Garage and several municipal lots as well as at Schenectady County Community College," says Chuck Steiner, president of the parade-organizing Chamber of Schenectady County. Municipal lots are located at State Street and Erie Boulevard; Erie Boulevard and Liberty Street; Liberty Street and Broadway; Franklin and Liberty Streets and behind Proctors Theatre. More information and directions are available at www.schenectadyparking.com.

Good viewing spots are located along both sides of State Street, from the corner of Lafayette all the way down across Erie Boulevard to the YMCA at Washington Avenue. The Judges' Reviewing Stand will be located in the parking pulloff between Proctors and the Bow Tie Cinema on State Street.

Streets will be closed from 4 p.m. until the parade is over at approximately 7 p.m.  The Western Gateway Bridge westbound lanes to Scotia will also be closed. Traffic will be allowed eastbound from Scotia to Schenectady but must turn right onto Washington Avenue at the foot of the bridge. 

Hot beverages and snacks will be available at restaurants on Jay and State Streets and from vendors on lower State Street. Public restrooms are located in Proctors Arcade and the Adirondack Trailways Bus Station.

The theme of the 2008 parade is "Fairy Tales and Bedtime Stories," and entries include "Goldilocks & the Three Bears," "Peter Pan," "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," and "The Three Little Pigs."  There will be special appearances by Mother Goose and a giant Curious George balloon entered by Price Chopper.  Pre-parade entertainment will be provided by the Electric City Clown Alley and other special guests.  Bundle up and come to the largest nighttime parade in the northeast.  Stay downtown for dinner, catch a movie, or one of the shows at Proctors!