2009 11 21
Over 100,000 spectators will line the streets of Downtown Halifax for the most anticipated holiday event of the year, the 14th Annual Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by EastLink and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission. This year's Parade promises to kick off the holiday season with lights, music and live entertainment on Saturday, November 21, beginning at 6:00 pm.
Rain or shine, over 50 entries will be joining Santa Claus in the Parade this year, including many returning favourites and first-time participants. Entries include: festive floats, holiday carollers, majorettes and marching bands. For the third year in a row, EastLink TV will provide live coverage of the Parade as well as re-broadcast the festivities on December 5, 12 and 19 at 7:00 pm for anyone who missed the festivities in person.
Community groups also benefit from the Parade's generous audience. Before the Parade begins, The Chronicle Herald will sell red Rudolph noses to raise funds for the Goodfellows, which delivers meals to the less fortunate throughout the holiday season. C100 and Empire Theatres will collect new, unwrapped toys along the route for children in need. Q104 and FEED Nova Scotia will collect cash donations and non-perishable food items. Canada Post will collect letters to Santa from children on his "good" list.
The Parade begins on Upper Water Street at Cornwallis Street, continues over the Barrington Street overpass onto Barrington Street and turns right onto Spring Garden Road. It then turns left on South Park and then right onto University Avenue, concluding at the corner of University Avenue and Robie Street. Parents are reminded to keep children off the street and on the sidewalk at all times.
There will be no parking along the Parade route. People are encouraged to use Metro Transit and expect some traffic and parking delays. As in previous years, there will be additional ferry service and the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission will re-direct lanes to accommodate the event traffic.
Waterfront Development Corporation Limited is pleased to support this community event with "Warm Up On the Waterfront!" before the festivities begin. There will be free parking at its Lower Water Street lots from 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 21, until 12:00 Noon on Sunday, November 22, on a first come, first serve basis, and some waterfront partners will provide free hot chocolate starting at 4:00 pm.
The Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights is presented by EastLink and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, with generous support from: Halifax Regional Municipality, C100, Spring Garden Area Business Association, Park Lane, Scotia Square Mall, Barrington Place Shops, New Century Signs and Glow Parties.