The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade/Live Positively Presented by Coca-Cola was very enthusiastically received this past Sunday, November 29, 2009 in Hollywood, CA. Emmy Award-Winning Actress, Susan Lucci, served as the Grand Marshal, and the holiday season was officially ushered in with a special appearance by Santa Claus. The City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International were also Presenting Sponsors of the Parade.
William Lomas, President of the Hollywood's Santa Parade LLC, producers of the Parade, said: "The Parade God's were shining upon us with great weather. The Parade ran the smoothest it has run in years. It was an absolute delight!"
This year's live parade was taped in Hollywood on November 29th for a national two-hour primetime special. The Parade will air nationally on MyNetworkTV on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. (Local Time)/7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Central Avenue). An Encore Presentation of the event is set to air on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009 at 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. (Local Time) 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Central Time). Associated Television International will produce the special.
Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie serve as the Broadcast Hosts for the Parade, while Kyle Massey and Christopher Massey serve as Roving Reporters.
"The City of Los Angeles is proud to be one of the Presenting Sponsors of this Hollywood tradition," said Council President Eric Garcetti, who represents Hollywood Boulevard where the parade will take place. "It's great to be able to bring this free, family event to Hollywood Boulevard and to have the opportunity to show off the new revitalized Hollywood to the rest of the country."
This year's parade featured 125 celebrities and VIPS; 14 award-winning bands, including three from outside the state of California; 8 Equestrian Units, 3 Specialty Characters, 10 Floats and 8 Giant Balloons.
David McKenzie, President of Associated Television International, said: "Proceeds from the telecasts of the parade will benefit this year's official charity, Feed The Children, a nonprofit relief organization which delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. We are happy to do our part to help those in need."
Coca-Cola has a long history of supporting events that bring hope, optimism and togetherness for families. The parade is one of many local initiatives Coca-Cola is hosting to help Angelinos "Live Positively" this holiday season. "Live Positively" represents the Company's commitment to making positive contributions to the world by promoting active healthy living, supporting education, giving back to the community, and protecting the environment.
For further information about The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade/Live Positively Presented by Coca-Cola, please visit the parade's official website, www.TheHollywoodChristmasParade.com.
