Annual Parade Set to Roll

Dec 7th, 2004

Beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and Santa Claus can only mean one thing-the holidays are here and Mobile's Christmas & Holiday Parade is ready to roll through the streets of downtown Mobile. The Parade begins at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 18, 2004 from the Mobile Civic Center. "While we are welcoming the holidays we are also paying tribute to our military men and women", said Parade President Gina Gregory. The Parade's theme is American Celebration. "We didn't ask an individual to be our Grand Marshall this year. Instead, we are honoring all of our soldiers. We will have representatives from all branches of the military riding on our Grand Marshall Float at the beginning of the parade," Gregory added. To continue the theme, a giant helium filled American Flag balloon will follow the Grand Marshall Float.

Mobile's parade has become a family tradition—an event both children and adults look forward to every year. This year, everyone will be delighted when they see three giant helium balloons floating through Mobile's streets; 14 floats; three groups of Shriners driving perfect figure eights in rapid succession; and listening and watching 6 local high school bands perform. For younger children, there will be face painting and clown balloons at Bienville Square before, during, and after the parade.

The Parade will begin at the Mobile Civic Center, travel north to Claiborne Street, turn right on Government Street, left on Royal, left on Dauphin and left on Claiborne to disband at the Civic Center. Mobile Police will block streets one hour prior to the parade. "This is a perfect opportunity to come downtown, to have lunch at one of our great restaurants, go shopping and stay to watch the Parade," said Mobile Mayor Mike Dow. "I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to spend time with their family and see what we have to offer in downtown Mobile during this holiday season."