A Record Attendance at 85th Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade and a New Entrant to the Parade – Battlefield Earth
Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2016 -- Eager fans packed both sides of the three-mile route along Hollywood and Sunset Blvd's November 27th for the 85th anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade benefitting the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots. The magic of the parade once again proved itself in bringing Hollywood together as it garnered the help of over 600 local volunteers and dozens of local businesses, schools and community service groups. It has become the biggest Christmas Parade in the world with the largest red carpet and the most celebrity participants.
The evening started with a holiday concert on Hollywood Blvd featuring an all-star cast including: Olivia Newton John, Cindy Lauper, Kenny G, WAR, Scotty McCreery, Julia Ara, Cassidy Diana and the Band of Merrymakers with Mark McGrath and Lisa Loeb. Directly following, the parade kicked off with hosts Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie welcoming the USMC Marching Band representing the Toys for Tots.
Of note was a new entrant, a 30 foot long spaceship from the planet Psychlo with characters from Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard—this summer’s #1 book and audiobook. The story’s two heroes Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, performed by Aaron Groben, who commented, “I enjoy portraying a warrior such as Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, especially in an epic setting such as Battlefield Earth. And riding a spaceship down a red carpet on Hollywood Blvd is definitely an epic way to celebrate Christmas!” And Chrissie, performed by Lauren Compton, who stated, “It was my first time ever being in a parade and I couldn’t have had a better first time experience than riding on the Battlefield Earth float.” Terl, the alien security chief from the planet Psychlo, didn’t speak English and was only heard repeating over and over that Man was an endangered species (which coincidentally is the opening line to the book, Battlefield Earth.)
The evening’s participants included Congressman Adam Schiff, long time parade-supporter, and Council Members Mitch O’Farrell and David Ryu—participants whose support literally makes the parade possible.
In addition to the above celebrity musicians performing, there were dozens of television and movie celebrities on hand, 17 marching bands from around the world and 6 equestrian units. Thirteen large helium balloons traveled down Hollywood Boulevard including the 5-story tall Captain Tom Bristol with his Treasure Chest, from L. Ron Hubbard’s swashbuckling tale Under the Black Ensign.
Once again, Author Services, Inc. was the location for the red carpet and step & repeat, which has grown to 175 feet in length to accommodate the parade’s growth and volume of media covering the event. Author Services additionally served as the parade’s green room and was filled to capacity with nearly 400 guests.
The parade concluded with Santa Claus wishing all a wonderful and joyous holiday season.
For more information, go to http://www.Facebook.com/GalaxyPress .
John Goodwin, Author Services, Inc., http://www.writersofthefuture.com, +1 (323) 466-3310, [email protected]
Share this article