ASHEVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE 2017
ASHEVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE 2017
The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 11am. The parade features nearly 100 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, nonprofits and businesses.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
THIS YEAR’S GRAND MARSHAL IS WWE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, BETH COPELAND
The Grand Marshal float is sponsored by Apple Tree Honda. Beth is not only the youngest person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but she is also a WWE Divas Champion and three-time WWE Woman’s Champion. Known by her ring name, Beth “The Glamazon” Phoenix, she participated in the first Women’s Ladder Match and was the second woman to participate in the Royal Rumble.
Retired from wrestling and living in Asheville with her husband, Adam Copeland, also a WWE Hall of Fame inductee, Beth is the proud mother to Lyric (3) and Ruby (1). The couple supports Eblen Charities, particularly the Headlock on Hunger Program (HOH) where Beth serves as Vice-President. HOH works with local businesses and the community to gather resources for children who ordinarily rely on school lunch programs to meet their nutritional needs. This program provides meals that help to bridge the gaps during school breaks so that no child is left hungry.
THIS YEAR’S PARADE THEME IS “HOLIDAY MAGIC”
Parade entries include a little something for everyone with decorated floats, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations, our Honored Veterans float sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, live music, performances, and of course, Santa Claus, brought to you by the NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights.
THE PERFORMANCE STOP IS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF BILTMORE AND PATTON AVENUES
Represent and smile for the cameras! Parade route pictured below …
GET YOUR PICTURE WITH SANTA!
After the parade, families are invited to Pack Square for photos with Santa from 2-4pm.
IT DOESN’T END THERE!
Go for a walk! Adding to the holiday fun is the Asheville Downtown Association’s Holiday Windows Contest. Downtown businesses decorate their windows in keeping with the “Holiday Magic” theme.
WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
For a second year, the Arboretum will partner with the City of Asheville for Winter Lights Downtown, an artistic holiday light display festooned in the trees in Pack Square. Winter Lights Downtown will begin with a lighting ceremony at 6pm, warmed by free hot chocolate from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Look for some extra dazzle in the display this year in the form of a giant snowflake centerpiece, sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Association, and the display expanded to more trees
THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE RIDE!
For the second year, the City of Asheville is pleased to provide transportation to the Asheville Holiday Parade! The City’s ART bus system is offering 100 free bus tickets to be used on Nov. 18. You can pick them up in City Hall, at the Water Department payment window just off the lobby. This is a limited time offer, while supplies last. Not only will Biltmore and Patton Avenues be closed prior to and during the parade, some side streets need to be closed off as well. ART bus routes have to be detoured around the parade as well. For these reasons, the City encourages everyone to plan ahead, allow plenty of time to get downtown, whether by bus, bike, car or on foot.
LEARN MORE HERE:
STREETS IMPACTED BY THE PARADE:
http://ashevilledowntown.org/streets-impacted-asheville-holiday-parade
NEED A PARKING SPOT? FIND A PARKING SPOT HERE:
http://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/parking/find_parking.htm
SIGN UP TO HELP!
Volunteer shifts are open now, and new helpers are always welcome. Holiday Parade volunteer orientation will be at Twisted Laurel on Monday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m. NOTE: For Holiday Parade, we do not have shifts for minors, unfortunately. This is because the event is spread so far, and we would not have a great way to check on that person frequently.
LEARN MORE HERE:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0449aaa92fa0f85-20173
HAVE FUN! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
(Photo Sources: Asheville Downtown Association and Asheville City Government)