Orlando Christmas Parade – The Holiday Star Attraction
The Orlando Christmas Parade will have a totally new look this year as a spectacular night parade and festival. In addition to the lights on the twinkling floats, Pirates Dinner Adventure will open the parade with another spellbinding performance. You never know whom you will meet curbside while waiting for the illuminated night parade to begin. It could be a sports star, soap star or one of Orlando’s favorite theme park characters. The two-hour procession will be themed LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS. Joining our Co-Host team on the Stanley Steemer Red Carpet will be sound effect master extraordinaire, Michael Winslow from the movie, “Police Academy.” He will narrate a holiday cooking demonstration with Emeril’s Orlando Chef before Captain “Candy” Cane makes her parade debut in a rare Florida snow flurry. The up-beat sounds of our 8 High School Marching Bands will keep our crowds dancing in the streets. Orlando Christmas Parade – 2007 Golden Brick Award Winner Night Parade: Sunday Evening - DECEMBER 14th, 2008 – 2 hour production – 6pm to 8pm
Since 1934, generations of families have been spoiled with “free” non-stop holiday entertainment during this show-stopping parade. The 2008 NIGHT production will circle Lake Eola Park starting at Magnolia and Livingston Street and sashay down Rosalind Avenue to the Stanley Steemer Red Carpet TV taping area set-up in front of Lake Eola Amphitheater. Once on Central Blvd. the parade passes the new Publix Supermarket before it reaches Summerlin Avenue in Thornton Park where the parade ends at Howard Middle School. Staging will take place on Magnolia Avenue between SR 50 and Livingston Street.
Free parade curbside viewing is available along most the parade route. TV cameras will capture celebrity interviews, tumblers, marching bands and singing performances on the Stanley Steemer Red Carpet on Rosalind Avenue. Reserved seating is $10.00 per ticket or 6 for $50.00.
EXPRESSWAY to the STARS Talent Search Competition has been created for young adults between 16 and 25 years old looking to further their education with their performing abilities. In addition to appearing in the Orlando Christmas Parade telecast, top solo and top group performers will be rewarded with scholarships totaling over $20,000.00. Children between 13 and 15 years old may compete for Rising Star honors and cash. Competition begins Dec. 12 & 13 at the Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House ~ 8am to 4pm daily. Top 10 acts will advance to Finals held at Lake Eola Park on December 14th where scholarship winners will be announced before the 6PM parade. Winning performers will be featured in the parade telecast of Santa Salutes the Stars. Visit http://www.expresswaystars.com/ for rules and fee information.
Parade Officials will host a one-day festival on December 14th called, Holiday in the Park to be held @ Lake Eola Park featuring vendors, retailers and entertainment. Finalists in the EXPRESSWAY To The STARS competition will be featured on the amphitheatre stage starting @ 1:30pm. A portion of Amphitheater seating will be reserved exclusively for Competition VIP Pass Holders. A special “KIDSVILLE AREA” will be featured in the park to include games, inflatable houses PLUS appearances by Captain Candy Cane, Mrs. Santa and Santa Claus.
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