Joe Mantegna Serves as Grand Marshal Of 2012 HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE Today

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, today, 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.

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