Things To Do in Baltimore

For immediate Release November 5, 2008

The Official Start of the Holiday Season

Baltimore’s Thanksgiving Parade

Bring in the holidays with Baltimore’s Thanksgiving Parade. The annual parade offers an exciting line up of gigantic balloons, fantastic floats, dynamic performance groups and marching bands.  The festivities take place on Saturday, November 22 at 11am. The parade steps off at the intersection of Pratt and Eutaw streets, continues east on Pratt Street and disbands at Pratt Street and Market Place.  Spectators can catch the best views of the parade near the reviewing stand located at Pratt and Light streets.  The parade is presented by Mayor Sheila Dixon, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts and is sponsored by Harborplace & The Gallery, AAA Mid-Atlantic, and media sponsors The Baltimore Examiner and Radio One (92Q, Magic 95.9, Spirit 1400, WOLB 1010).

Parade-goers can see Santa Claus’ arrival from the North Pole in a horse drawn carriage.  After the parade, share in the holiday cheer by visiting Santa’s Place at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, coordinated by Harborplace & The Gallery, for a meet and greet with Old Saint Nicholas.  Children can sit on Santa’s lap, share their holiday wishes and have their picture taken.

Baltimore’s Thanksgiving Parade features local and regional marching bands, cheerleading teams, and community and cultural groups. Celebrating the holiday are Batman & Robin in the Batmobile.  Returning units include the Chesapeake Synchronized Skating & Mini Float with its synchronized skaters and traditional holiday songs; the Night of 100 Elvises and their annual tribute to the king of rock and roll; the dynamic sounds from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Marching Flock; and the Black Rose Twirlers of Pennsylvania showing off their amazing feats and many more!

Parade-goers can enjoy the diverse performances of Ballet Folklórico Mexico Vivo with traditional costumes and dance for Latin American countries, Goh’s Kung fu, Twirltastix, and skating group Shake and Bake Rollers.  Additionally, there will be appearances from equestrian units, the Baltimore City Mounted Police and the United Horseman Association.  Also, greeting youngsters along the parade route will be Pets On Wheels, Inc., The Salvation Army, and gigantic balloons Jack-in-the-Box and a 17-foot snowman.

For more information about Baltimore’s Thanksgiving Parade, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com.

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