The signs of the season are beginning to be seen around Suffolk, and one of the most recognizable is the Suffolk Holiday Parade.

More than 70 units have signed up for the parade, including animals, decorated floats, festive cars and no fewer than six marching bands. They will make their way up West Washington Street from Broad Street and make the turn onto South Main Street. The parade steps off at 10 a.m.

“We have a great parade lined up,” said Lori Carter with Suffolk Parks and Recreation. “We have a full gamut of different types of things you’d see in a parade.”

The parade is a longstanding tradition in Suffolk, Carter said, dating from before when she was a child.

“It’s a tradition in Suffolk to have the Christmas parade,” Carter said. “It kicks off the feeling of the season for the community. It starts off the official holiday season.”

Each of Suffolk’s high school marching bands will entertain the crowds with their musicianship, and a few community bands will be featured in the parade also.

Suffolk City Council members also will make appearances in the parade, as well as local nonprofit organizations and the perennial favorite, Santa Claus.

For more information on the parade, visit the city website at www.suffolk.va.us or call the Parks and Recreation department at 514-7250.