Hermitage officially kicks off the holiday season with its annual Light Up Parade on Saturday.

Local businesses, organizations and churches have been preparing floats decorated with lights to roll down State Street beginning at 6:00 p.m.

People intending to gather along the parade route are advised to wear coats with big pockets, because participants will be distributing candy.

Carolers will also join the procession.

The parade will begin from the area of the Hermitage Towne Plaza (N. Kerrwood Dr.) and travel east on E. State St. to N. Hermitage Rd. (SR 18).

The parade will then travel north on N. Hermitage Rd. (SR 18) and finish near the Shenango Valley Mall at Indian Run.

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic at 5:30 p.m.:

E. State St. between Buhl Farm Dr. and the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62)

Hermitage Rd. (SR 18) between Highland Rd. and the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62)

All side roads to E. State St. from Highland Rd. and the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62) between Buhl Farm Dr. and the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62)

All traffic in these areas will be congested and motorists will have to utilize alternative routes.

Motorists can expect delays. Traffic at the Shenango Valley Mall and the Hermitage Towne Plaza will also be congested.

Detour routes include Highland Rd, Buhl Farm Dr, Shenango Valley Freeway, Lamor Rd. and E. State St. (SR 62) between the mall and N. Keel Ridge Rd.