HARRISBURG, Pa. — Merry Christmas, residents of Pennsylvania's cash-strapped capital: Santa Claus is coming to town after all.
Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson said Thursday the city's annual holiday parade is back on the calendar after two major sponsors donated $39,000.
Officials in the city about 100 miles west of Philadelphia had announced two weeks ago the Nov. 19 event would be canceled because organizers didn't raise the necessary $25,000.
But The Patriot-News reports that Direct Energy is contributing $24,000 and PinnacleHealth has given $15,000.
The parade has traditionally marked the start of the holiday season with floats, bands, balloons and the arrival of Santa.
The city of 47,000 residents could use some good cheer. Its City Council filed for federal bankruptcy protection last month, and state officials later enacted a financial takeover.
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