MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For the first time, fireworks will kick off opening night of the annual Holidazzle parades in downtown Minneapolis.

The fireworks will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and will launch along the parade route throughout opening night.

The Holidazzle parades are now in their 19th season. The parades feature floats adorned with twinkling lights, storybook characters and holiday music.

This is Target Corp.’s third year as the event’s title sponsor. Bullseye, Target’s bull terrier mascot, will kick off this year’s Holidazzle parade season.

The parades run along Nicollet Mall Thursdays through Sundays, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The last parade is Sunday, Dec. 19.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)