Raleigh's Christmas Parade is back this weekend

Flashback: The parade was initially canceled last year, after the city denied its special event permit out of "an abundance of caution" and respect for Brooks' family.

• Following news of the cancelation, Brooks' family said it had asked the city to hold the event, but with increased safety measures.
• The city ultimately reversed course and opted to hold the parade but bar automobiles.
• The start of the parade will have a memorial for Brooks, WRAL reports.

What's new: This year, the parade will require participants to fill out a waiver. (Brooks' family has filed a lawsuit that names the city along with the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, the organizer of the event.)

• Automobiles are allowed this year, though numerous added safety measures are in place.

Context: The Christmas parade is the largest between D.C. and Atlanta, organizers say,. It's expected to draw some 80,000 visitors, per WRAL.

What to know: The parade starts at 9:30am. ABC11 will be streaming it.

• City parking decks will be free the morning of the parade, per the GRMA.
• Dram & Draught, State of Beer and Birdie's Barroom & Kitchen will hold watch parties. More information here.
• The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater opens after the parade ends. Buy tickets.
• View the route map here.