18th Annual Reston Holiday Parade
Holidays are Here at Reston Town Center!
Friday, November 28, 2008 – A Full Day of Events
‘Toon In…It’ll be Unreal!
For Immediate Release
November 18, 2008
Reston, VA – Reston Town Center presents the 18th annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, November 28 at 11:00 AM, launching the festive season with Macy’s-style balloons, musical groups, dancers, antique cars, and more, in a one-of-a-kind, one-hour parade along Market Street, welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. (Full day’s schedule follows below.)
‘Toon In…It’ll be Unreal! Organizers have been working on the Reston Holiday Parade for months, and are very pleased that more participants are expected this year than ever before. Reston Holiday Parade’s theme for 2008 is animation, and huge balloons will portray some favorite cartoon characters. Reston Association is planning a flatbed float representing “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, starring Lucy, Linus and Snoopy. New entries include a team of twelve horses from the Misty Brae Farm Pony Club in Aldie, Drum Dancers from Vienna, Langston Hughes Middle School Panther Cheerleaders, plus antique and classic cars from the National Capital Jaguar Club and Mustang Club. Popular favorites from past years plan to return, such as the South Lakes High School Marching Band, Regimental Drums & Fifes of Northern Virginia, Alma Boliviana dancers, The Hogettes, The Jokesters, GottaSwing dancers, Reston Conservatory Ballet, Dance Xone Extreme, Bull Run Street Rods, Harry the Dragon, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, fire trucks, VIPs, including Reston founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., and much more. At least seventy (70) groups, with one to fifty in each group, are anticipated so far. For event information, visit www.restontowncenter.com.
Reston Town Center is pleased to announce the Reston Holiday Parade 2008 Grand Marshal, Pat Macintyre. A resident of Reston since 1968, artist Pat Macintyre has a venerable history in the community. Among her many attributes, she established ongoing programs for children and professional artists in the region, and continues to volunteer and teach children’s art programs with creativity, care, and enthusiasm. For her dedication and accomplishments, Macintyre was named Reston Citizen of the Year in 1991, and received a Best of Reston Award in 1999.
Holidays are Here! November 28 is a full day of events full of holiday cheer and charity at Reston Town Center.
More…
8 AM: Reston Town Center retailers opening early
8:30 AM: Run with Alan Webb: 8th annual races for tots to teens to benefit Neediest Kids. Donation of $5 for participation encouraged. Participants can register at www.neediestkids.org.
11:00 AM: 18th Annual Reston Holiday Parade
12:30 – 4:30 PM: Visits and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Located on Democracy Street, next to M&S Grill. Donations will benefit Reston Interfaith.
6:00 PM: Tree Lighting and Sing Along. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up the Christmas tree, followed by traditional holiday songs led by Reston Chorale and brass quintet.
6:30 – 10:00 PM: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax.
$5 per person, children 5 and under ride free with adult.
All day: Ice Skating Pavilion. Open every day for public skating until March.
Win a $500 Shopping Spree! Enter to win November 28 through November 30. Free entry forms are available at retailers sponsoring the Run with Alan Webb to benefit Neediest Kids.
Santa’s Here! Santa Claus will be at Reston Town Center for visits and photos throughout the season. Dates and times vary, November 29 until December 24. His schedule is posted at his location on Democracy Street next to M&S Grill, and at www.restontowncenter.com.
Holidays are Here! All through December, Reston Town Center will host performances of music and dance by community groups at Fountain Square, and strolling on Market Street. Horse drawn carriage rides to benefit local charities are scheduled for Saturday afternoons, December 6, 13, and 20. The Ice Skating Pavilion is open every day until March. See the schedules and more details at www.restontowncenter.com.
RESTON HOLIDAY PARADE Broadcast on Comcast – Reston Channel 28
Comcast is taping the whole parade and it will air on Reston cable television, channel 28 on:
Saturday, November 29, 1 pm
Sunday, November 30, 1 pm
Monday, December 1, 8 pm
Established in 1990, beautiful Reston Town Center is an acclaimed outdoor venue offering more than 40 retail shops, 20 restaurants and a 13-screen cinema. At the center’s hub, the Pavilion hosts special events, concerts, festivals throughout the year and ice-skating in winter. For more information on shopping, and dining and events at Reston Town Center, visit www.restontowncenter.com.
Directions: From I-495, take I-66 west to the Dulles Toll Road (Exit 67, Route 267 West) to Reston Parkway (Exit 12). Turn right on Reston Parkway then left on New Dominion Parkway (4th light).
Editors Note: Photos are available by e-mail for publication. Contact carol@myerspr.com, or call Myers Public Relations, 703-476-9377.