The annual Christmas in the Park and Christmas Parade were both big hits Thursday.

While we appreciate the popularity and the enthusiasm of local shoppers eager to snag the biggest and best deals Thanksgiving night (especially at local stores) we are heartened that our community can come together for more prosaic holiday traditions.

These traditions make our community special, but they are also an important opportunity to pause, come together and enjoy each other’s company.

Nationally, we have heard much talk of coming together and of unity after this bitter election cycle.

We hear that at the end of most presidential races, no matter the candidate and we expect we’ll hear that again in four years because political and philosophical differences aren’t going anywhere. In some situations, we may never agree, even with those whom we love.

This is why our local holiday traditions are so valuable.

Christmas traditions won’t solve disagreements but so long as we can take time to appreciate a parade, cheer for Santa and come together for a leisurely stroll through Cassidy Park, those disagreements will always take a backseat to friendship, community and mutual respect.

For anyone who’s not made it out, don’t forget, tickets are $4 for adults and $1 for students.

The park will be open for vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then foot traffic will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event is open Friday through Sunday each weekend until Dec. 16 and then the event will be open daily through Christmas day.