Is Disney very active with the Chicago Miracle Mile Parade?

[DodgerGirl]

I happened to see the Miracle Mile Parade in Chicago on TV today and I noticed that Disney sponsored a float in that parade and I wonder if Disney has been very active in the Miracle Mile Parade for a long time. The float was amazing with Mickey And Minnie lighting the lights of Chicago and is this the first time Disney characters have been shown outside the parks?