RALEIGH, N.C. — It's the unofficial launch to the holiday season in the Oak City.

Raleigh’s Christmas Parade returns to downtown Saturday for a 79th year.

This year, hearts will be heavy after 11-year-old Hailey Brooks was struck and killed in last year’s parade, leading to the city's decision to bar motorized vehicles or floats this year.

Margie Harrison, band director for Broughton High School, is preparing her students for another year at the parade.

“Today they're working on marching basics, music and stamina to get through the parade," Harrison said. “The band has been a part of every single Raleigh Christmas Parade since its inception."

Last year was the only time the band went silent.

“We were the next band getting ready to step out when it happened," she said. "Didn't get to step off last year — it was pretty scary." 

The passage of a year since her death inspired Isabella Dearr, a Durham artist, to honor Hailey's memory with a mural.

“As long as people remember Hailey when they see this, that's the goal of it," Dearr said.

She has spent three days working on the mural on Hillsborough Street, where Hailey was fatally hit by a truck.

The mural is a image of ballerina shoes, since Hailey loved to dance, surrounded by a teal butterfly and sunflowers.

Dearr says she knows teal was her favorite color and organizers are asking volunteers, participants and parade watchers to wear teal tomorrow in honor of Hailey's memory.

“She was a special girl who was bright and cheery so I decided to do sunflowers," Dearr said.

The hope is the sounds of Saturday's performers, and the mural, can make the parade bright again.

“I look forward to seeing the crowd and letting the kids perform in the front of the crowd," Harrison said. "So fun for them to feel that thrill and see their friends and family on the parade route." 

The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.