2009 11 25
The 14th Annual Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by EastLink and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, was another record-breaking success on Saturday, November 21. The Parade brought out over 100,000 spectators, who were entertained by more than 50 marching bands, majorettes, costumed walking groups and floats that lit up the evening.
Floats were judged on creativity, use of lights and overall effect. The winners are as follows:
1st Place Float - Glow Parties’ “Christmas Toyland” with a giant jack-in-the-box shooting out biodegradable confetti.
2nd Place Float - Mills’ gingerbread house with live gingerbread kids.
3rd Place Float - StoneRidge Fellowship’s nativity scene come to life.
Float Honourable Mention - C100/Empire Theatres gift-themed float for their toy drive.
The Walking Group Award was judged on creativity, costumes and overall effect.
Walking Group Award - FUSION Baton Twirlers
Walking Group Honourable Mention - Starlite Strutters Majorettes, Flags and Cheerleaders
The first-ever Atlantic Eco-Expo award for the most eco-friendly entry was awarded to:
Winner - Dalhousie Architecture and Engineering Departments’ float was made out of recycled wood (which will be reused in architecture models) and sail cloth (which will be made into bags for students). The inside lighting system was battery operated and it was towed by an electric zero-emissions truck.
Runner-up - The Philae Shriners’ refurbished golf cart Flintstones car.
Many community groups also benefited from the generous crowd. C100 and Empire Theatres collected 2,500 new, unwrapped toys for children in need. Q104 and FEED Nova Scotia collected $18,350 in cash donations and 3,264 kg in non-perishable food items along the Parade route. The Chronicle Herald also sold red Rudolph noses to raise $6,200 for the Goodfellows’ Club, which delivers meals to the less fortunate throughout the holiday season. Meanwhile, Canada Post collected 2,175 letters to Santa from children on his “good” list.
For the third year in a row, EastLink TV provided live coverage of the Parade and will rebroadcast the event on December 5, 12 and 19, at 7:00 pm for anyone who missed the festivities in person.
The 14th Annual Chronicle Herald Parade of Lights was presented by EastLink and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission and sponsored by: Halifax Regional Municipality, C100, Spring Garden Area Business Association, Park Lane, Scotia Square Mall, Barrington Place Shops, New Century Signs and Glow Parties.
Next year’s 15th Anniversary Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights will take place on Saturday, November 20, 2010.