The sixth annual Holiday Santa Parade is set for Saturday evening in downtown.

Hundreds of people from Middletown and the surrounding cities turn out every year for the “small but mighty” parade, which starts at 4 p.m. at the Middletown Public Library on the corner of South Broad Street and Second Avenue, said parade chairs Jamie Murphy and Linda Moorman.

The parade goes up South Broad to Central Avenue ending at Manchester Avenue.

Murphy and Moorman said the parade will feature “Macy-style stop performances,” floats and flying balloons, Santa Paws, antique cars, the Grinch, and holiday characters. Santa will be escorted by children to mark the official start of the Middletown holiday season.

Santa will leave his sleigh to light the official city tree, and after the ceremony he will be on stage at Governor’s Square to hear all the children’s wishes.

“Children of all ages just love it,” Murphy said. “We’re sure this year will be better than ever.”

About 60 people and organizations will participate in this year’s parade.

Santa will hang out at Governor’s Square from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

There will also be free train rides following the parade.