Joe Mantegna To Serve As Grand Marshal Of 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE, 11/25

Film/Television/Stage Star, Tony Award and Emmy Award-Winning and Golden Globe Award-Nominated Actor, Joe Mantegna (“Glengarry Glen Ross” – Broadway, “Bleacher Bums” – PBS, “Criminal Minds,” “The Rat Pack,” “The Godfather: Part III,” “The Simpsons Movie,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “The Starter Wife,” “The Last Don,” National Spokesperson for The U.S. Army Museum) will serve as Grand Marshal of THE 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS. The parade will be presented live by The City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 25, 2012 starting with a PRE-PARADE SHOW SPECTACULAR at 5:30 pm, with the Parade commencing at 6:30 pm.

Erik Estrada (“World’s Funniest Moments,” “CHiPS”) and Laura McKenzie (“World’s Funniest Moments,” “Laura McKenzie’s Traveler”) will serve as Broadcast Hosts of the parade and Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”) will serve as Host of the music portion of the nationally televised special of the parade airing on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 10, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time) and 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) and on the Hallmark Movie Channel on Friday, December 21, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time) and 5:00 pm (Central Time). The parade is then scheduled to air in syndication across the country and internationally via the American Forces Network, reaching 177 military bases and embassies globally. For exact air dates and times, please check local television listings. Elizabeth Stanton (“Elizabeth Stanton’s Great Big World”) and Rob Pinkston (“Punk’d,” “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) will serve as Parade Roving Reporters.

Presenting Sponsors of THE 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS include The City of Los Angeles, the Hallmark Channel and Associated Television International, which is executive producing the live parade and the telecast of it. Hollywood’s Santa Parade, LLC serves as a producer of the live parade. Community Sponsors include: Author Services, Metro, Twin America and Sister Cities.

Joe Mantegna said: “I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS. It means a great deal to me to part of this fine American tradition that has brought wonderful holiday cheer to millions over its 80-year history. In my family Christmas is one of most joyous times of the year. Let’s celebrate together in the streets of Hollywood on November 25th. See you then!”

Jim Romanovich and David Martin, Executive Producers for Associated Television International and Hollywood Christmas Television Parade, LLC, will oversee the live and televised national broadcasts of The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade. Romanovich said: “We’re delighted to have the multi-faceted consummate film and television star, Joe Mantegna, serve as our Grand Marshal. We’re also proud to welcome back the Marine Toys for Tots as part of this year’s celebration. The exceptional work they do in bringing the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children is a cause that has been embraced by communities throughout the nation.”

Bill Lomas, producer of the live parade and president of Hollywood’s Santa Parade, LLC, said: “This year’s parade will be a visual and aural feast for parade attendees. The parade will feature the best bands in United States, along with live performers, celebrities, equestrians, balloons, floats, specialty characters and novelties and the man of the hour, Santa Claus.”

“Angelenos have always had a tremendous sense of community. The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a festive event that truly embodies the holiday spirit and giving back,” said Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. “It is a fun way to bring the community together every year and I am pleased to share in the Hollywood holiday magic.”

“The Hollywood Christmas Parade is one of L.A.’s favorite holiday traditions and a great way for us to showcase this dynamic neighborhood. I encourage everyone to bring their family to this free, fun event,” said Councilmember Eric Garcetti (Thirteenth District), who represents Hollywood Boulevard where the parade will take place.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge (Fourth District) added: “This is the greatest parade in the city. Nowhere else can you see so many families and so many smiles. Come for the fun and leave on the Red Line!”

Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks (Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel) said: “Hallmark Channel’s COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS is all about celebrating timeless traditions. One of the greatest holiday traditions is giving to others. That’s why Hallmark Channel is proud to be the official cable television partner for Marine Toys for Tots, an organization dedicated to bringing children Christmas joy for more than 60 years. We are grateful to have our networks, Toys for Tots and the Parade come together to help kids, and we are proud to have THE 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS on our air.”

Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation said: “Toys for Tots truly appreciates being selected as the charity partner of THE 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE. We believe our presence in the parade will offer a reminder to families across the nation to think of those less fortunate this holiday season. By donating a new unwrapped toy or by making a cash contribution to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, we will be able to bring smiles to children on Christmas morning who otherwise might be forgotten.”

A PRE-PARADE SHOW SPECTACULAR, commencing at 5:30 pm on Sunday, November 25th, will take place on the Red Carpet Grandstand area of the parade featuring the talents of “American Idol” finalist, singer Kimberley Locke; magician Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic; performers from Cirque de Soleil’s “IRIS;” the performance artists, Jabowakeez; singer Ashlee Keating; performers from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the gay and lesbian choir, West Coast Singers.

THE 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS will feature over 100 celebrities from film, television and stage; 20 Award-Winning Bands (including 12 from the state of California and 8 from out of state – Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee, and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard; 9 Colorful Equestrians; 6 Ornate Floats; 7 Spectacular Live Performers; 15 Festive Balloons and 27 Popular Characters/Novelties.

The parade will travel on a U-shaped 3.2 mile route throughout Hollywood, CA starting at Orange Street and Hollywood Boulevard, traveling East onto Hollywood Boulevard turning South onto Vine Street, and then traveling West onto Sunset Boulevard back to Orange Street. 5,000 plus people will participate in this year’s parade. 10,000 square feet of Red Carpet will blanket Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (the official starting point for the parade) on a lavishly holiday adorned “live set” where Associated Television International will tape the parade for national televised broadcasts on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel to be aired during the holiday season.

Grandstand tickets for The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots are now on sale!!! Parade attendees can view the event in style and comfort. Reserved Grandstand Seating for The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots are now available for purchase within Associated Television International’s “live set” area located on Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Street and Highland Avenue.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, including Ticketmaster.com (search for Hollywood Christmas Parade), select Walmart locations, select Simon Mall locations, Curacao locations or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000. For a direct link for buying tickets online click here. All seats are reserved at the time the order is placed. There are no refunds or exchanges. Group Discounts are available. All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

For Information Only about the parade, please the 24/7 Parade Hotline toll fee at 1-866-PARADE1 (866-727-2331).

Free Curbside Seating will be available along the entire parade route, starting East of the Grandstand Seating area on Hollywood Boulevard. One of the easiest ways to get to the parade is to take Metro. There are two stations located on the parade route, one at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and another at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. For further information or to plan the best route, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net.

There are numerous Parking Lots in close proximity to the parade route, including Grant Parking lots located throughout Hollywood, as well as at the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Complex accessible from Highland Avenue, near Hollywood Boulevard. Most lots are paid parking. Please contact individual parking lots for pricing.

For updates and further information about The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots, please call 1-866-PARADE1 (1-866-727-2331) and visit www.facebook.com/xmasparade. To view highlights of last year’s parade, please click on this YouTube link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwY0H1UQx14.

2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE BENEFITING MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS Participants Will Include:

20 Bands (including 12 from the state of California; 8 from out of state – Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee, and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard: Banning High School Mighty Marching Pilots (Wilmington, CA); Beckman High School Band (Tustin, CA); Bellflower High School (Bellflower, CA); Cherry Creek High School Band (Greenwood Village, CO); Columbus North High School (Columbus, IN); Dana Middle School Band (Pico Rivera, CA); Fountain Valley High School Band (Fountain Valley, AZ); Guatemala Marching Band (Republic of Guatemala in Central America); Golden Valley High School (Merced, CA); Indiana Area Senior High School Band (Indiana, PA); James F. Byrnes High School Band (Duncan, S.C.); Long Beach Junior Concert Band (Long Beach, CA); Loso High School Band (Rancho Cucamungo, CA); McQueen High School (Reno, NV); Monache High School Band (Porterville, CA); Norwalk High School Band (Norwalk, CA); Penn High School Band (Misgawaka, IN); Santa Ana High School Band (Orange County, CA); Science Hills High School (Johnson City, TN); Villa Park High School Band (Villa Park, CA) and United States Marine Corps Band (San Diego, CA).

9 Equestrians: Broken Horn Ropers; C-Star Pleasure Riders; Charros De La Puente; Mario’s Andalusians; Painted Ladies Drill Team; Rancho La Laguna; San Diego Farms; VictorIan Roses Ladies Riding Society and The War Horse Foundation.

6 Floats: Knott’s Berry Farms (Charlie Brown Characters); LA City Tours; Santa Claus; Sparks Ole Skool Dance Crew with Sparks The Dog; United States Mini Jets with a Three Star General and Wells Fargo Stagecoach.

15 Balloons: Astronaut; Cowboy; Two Ginger Bread Kids; The Grinch; Horton The Elephant; Oscar The Grouch; Black Flag; Pirate; Treasure Chest; Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer; Santa Elmo; Santa Kermit the Frog; Toy Soldier and Lorax.

27 Characters/Novelties: Archibald Mouse; Cool Cat; Hoops & Yo Yo (Hallmark Channel); Loara High School Cheerleaders (Anaheim, CA); Mountain Fife and Drums; San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Cheetah and Lizard); Sparks Ole Skool Dance Crew with Sparks The Dog; and Nate Truman’s Star Car Central (Vintage Hollywood Cars): “A-Team;” “Adam 12” Mark; “Back To The Future;” “Batman” Batmobile 1966; “Batman” Batmobile 1992; “Blues Brother” Cop Car; “Bullitt” Mustang; Bumblee Transformations; GenerAl Lee; “Herbie;” “James Bond” DB5; “Jurassic Park” Jeep; “Jurassic Park” SUV; “Knight Rider” Kitt; “Knight Rider” Kitt (Shelby Mustang); “Magnum P.I.;” “Pee Wee Herman” Bike; “Shaguar;” “Smokey and the Bandit;” “Starsky and Hutch” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Van.