Young Salem Superhero Ready to Lead Holiday Parade

The annual Salem Holiday Parade begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, and a familiar and heroic face will lead the festivities.

Anthony Smith, a 5-year-old Salem boy who has been turned into a Marvel comic book super hero known as the "Blue Ear," is this year's grand marshal. Anthony has mosaic trisomy 22 and only partial hearing in his left ear, and parade officials say his story has served as an "inspiration" for people in the area. 

Eighty-four parade entries — including numerous police and fire departments, nine bands, three dance groups, Santa, local businesses, and more — will make their way down Main Street on Sunday from the starting point on Northeastern Boulevard before reaching Salem High School, located on Geremonty Drive.

More details about the parade can be found on the parade's official Facebook page.

Are you going to the parade? Be sure to post your photos on Patch or e-mail them to Kyle.Stucker@Patch.com!