Media Talking Points

Talking Points for the 2009 Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights, Presented by CHASE

Parade Producer - Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.

Sponsors
Chesapeake Energy (title sponsor), CHASE (presenting sponsor),  XTO Energy (Holiday Fun Zone sponsor), City of Fort Worth (marketing and promotion sponsor), Coors Distributing Company (float sponsor and announce stand sponsor), AmeriCredit (announce stand sponsor), Fort Worth Star-Telegram, KDMX-FM, RANCH 95.9, KISS-FM, KEGL-FM, KDGE-FM, Courtyard by Marriott/Blackstone Hotel.

History
First staged in 1983 (26th annual) to help Fort Worth celebrate family and togetherness in a spirited way. It has grown to become one of the top Illuminated Parades in the country.

Theme
”Holiday Dreams, Holiday Wishes”

Reserved Seats on Sale Online

Parade Route
From corner of Belknap and Throckmorton Streets, east on Belknap to Commerce, then south on Commerce to 6th Street. Next, west on 6th Street to Houston Street, and finally north on Houston Street to Weatherford Street.

Schedule of Activities:

  • 2:00 PM - Holiday Fun Zone presented by XTO Energy opens at the Chisholm Trail Parking area, between 3rd and 4th Streets downtown.

  • Holiday entertainment.

  • “Holiday Craftmaking,” for kids and families of all ages.  FREE

  • Kids Activity areas.

  • Free coffee samples from Starbucks Coffee

  • 4:00 PM - Come early to get a great seat, enjoy some hot chocolate, and visit the shops of Sundance Square (or purchase reserved seating).

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  • 5:30 PM - Cowboy Santas step off and travel along the parade route to collect toys for needy children. Bring an unwrapped toy!
  • 6:00 PM - Parade begins featuring over 100 illuminated entries. 
  • Grand Marshals - Walt Garrison
  • 2009 Parade floats from Chesapeake Energy, Chase Bank, Texas Rangers, XTO Energy and, of course, Santa's arrival on the Downtown Fort Worth Inc. float! 
  • Entries featuring community groups and supporters from around Fort Worth. 
  • Radio personalities from Mix, KISS and Lone Star on our announcer stands, as well as business celebrities J.R. Labbe, Gary Cumbie, Dick Ruddell and Carlos De La Torre!
  • 7:00 PM - Santa begins his trip around the parade route on a specially designed float.
  • 7:35 PM - Lighting of the 52' Fort Worth Christmas Tree in Sundance Square, on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, featuring the scenes from The Nutcracker and over 4,000 lights.
  • 7:45 PM - Photos with Santa, benefiting Fort Worth Sister Cities program, continuing until 10:00 PM.
  • 8:00 PM - the Holiday Movie "Elf" starring Will Ferrell will be shown on a giant screen in the Chisholm Trail parking lot.  Bring your own chair or take your reserved chair over to the movie!

Transporation/Parking
After 4 p.m., free bus service by “The T” along any of its regular routes.
Parking information online at www.FortWorthParking.com

To Volunteer
Urgent need for parade walkers, float drivers, mascots, review-stand spotters, etc.
Contact Kari Brantley at Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, 817-336-2787, x24 or email us.


Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
777 Taylor Street, Ste. 100
Fort Worth, TX  76102