· 100 local marching bands, floats, helium balloons slated to be in parade
· 29th Annual Richmond Christmas Parade, sponsored by Dominion, set to be largest, best in years
· ‘The nerve of those Whos ... Inviting me down here on such short notice!’
RICHMOND, VA – Has the Grinch had a change of heart? Has he already talked things over with little Cindy Lou?
No matter, the infamous Grinch has promised to be on his best behavior and serve with distinction on Saturday, Dec. 1, as the official Master of Ceremonies for the 29th Annual Richmond Christmas Parade, sponsored by Dominion, parent company of Virginia's largest electric company.
While in town, he will also appear in Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, presented by Broadway in Richmond at Richmond's Landmark Theater during the 2012 holiday season. The classic, whimsical tale will feature eight performances at Richmond’s Landmark Theater, from Nov. 27 through Dec. 2. For additional information on show dates and times, visit www.BroadwayInRichmond.com.
“I have decided out the kindness of my wonderfully-enlarged green heart to bring extra holiday cheer to the good people of Richmond by appearing in their wonderful Christmas Parade,” said the Grinch in between public appearances. “Of course, as is only fitting, I will be the Grand Marshal and official master of ceremonies!”
Exactly 100 bands and various organizations -- including the famous Globetrotters once again -- have signed up to participate in parade.
Amazing floats and many other colorful sights and sounds of the season will also be part of the parade. The Grinch will be on a whimsical float sponsored by Macy’s, and the Legendary Santa will appear on a brand new, never-before- seen float sponsored by Union First Market Bank.
Some of the other parade highlights will include:
· The trademark Wells Fargo stagecoach, as seen in their logo
· The colorful and entertaining Ferko String Band from Philadelphia
· Red Crooked Sky – a popular native American performance group
· College bands from Hampton University and Virginia State University
· A Bolivian dance group
· The ‘Game Guy’ from the Virginia State Lottery
“We think this is going to be the biggest and best Christmas Parade ever seen in our fair city,” said Robert Kelly, parade chairman. “Don’t forget to mark your calendars for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.
“We want to thank our many generous and gracious sponsors who do so much to make it possible,” Kelly added.
More than 100,000 people normally attend the annual Christmas Parade, which starts at the Science Museum on Broad Street and travels eastward along Broad to 7th Street.
For more information, visit http://richmondparade.com or call (804) 788-6478.
