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30th AnniversAry

It all started 30 years ago with an idea — that was turned down twice. Jeff Marks, however, wouldn’t take no for an answer. Who knew that his tenacity would become the largest single-day event in Richmond each year?“I knew the Christmas Parade was destined to be a hit when thousands of

people came that first year even though there was a torrential downpour,” said Marks, parade founder and chairman from 1983-2003. “That’s when you know you have a tradition — when you have a community who stands by you whether rain or shine.”

This year’s theme: “Diamond Jubilee,” is a nod toward the parade’s 30th anniversary. The day’s festivities will kick off with Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run along the parade route at 7 a.m., and the Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Children’s Museum.

The beloved Richmond parade showcases statewide talent, including high school and college marching bands, dance troupes, colorful floats, large helium balloons and more, as well as international personalities such as the famed Harlem Globetrotters and Legendary Santa himself.

“My family attended our very first Christmas parade last year. It was an amazing memory for all of us, and our kids are still talking about the things we saw,” said recent Richmond transplant, Caryn Crigler Ruff. “A favorite of ours was Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers, but the highlight of the Parade was the marching bands! They were all so good that they brought tears to my eyes.”

This is the fourth year Dominion has sponsored the Richmond Christmas Parade. More than 100,000 people attend the annual event, in addition to the hundreds of volunteers and participants along the parade route. WTVR also broadcasts it live starting at 10 a.m. and rebroadcasts it on Christmas Day.

“I have fond memories of participating in the Christmas Parade,” said former baton twirler extraordinaire, Becca Kaye Rose. “Even though I remember trying to keep my hands warm enough to be able to twirl, I wouldn’t trade my memories for anything in the world. It’s one of the best things Richmond offers around the holidays.”

Diamond Jubilee to Attract Thousands

Richmond Parade Celebrates 30 Years of Christmas Cheer

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Putting a ‘Spin’ on Holiday Traditions

Tom Leonards

Harlem Globetrotters return to Richmond this December

No other basketball team lives in the hearts of Americans more than the Harlem Globetrotters.

“My husband and I love basketball so much. Both of us saw the Harlem Globetrotters when we were younger and decided that our daughter, who is seven years old, should have that same experience,” said Richmond resident, Teresa Fries. “We took her for the first time last year and she loved it. We look forward to turning it into a family tradition.”

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team best known for flawlessly combining their talents of basketball and choreography, with their ability to entertain audiences around the world. In addition, they are committed to using their gifts on and off the court, and are known for their charitable activities throughout the community.

Globetrotter favorites, Bull Bullard and TNT Maddox, will make an appearance at the Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th, and return with the rest of the team for their annual exhibition game at the Richmond Coliseum on Tuesday, December 31 at 2 p.m.

Bull’s impressive athleticism launched him to the Las Vegas finals of the popular television show “American Ninja Warrior” in 2012. The New York Jets also invited him to their rookie camp in 2008, even though Bull has never played football. Bull also appeared on “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” and “Man v. Food Nation.”

TNT joined the Globetrotters in the fall of 2011, becoming the first woman to don the red, white, and blue since 1993. When she’s not burning up the floor with her ball handling, she may be found shooting hoops with President Barack Obama, like she did during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The Globetrotters will tip-off the 2014 North American Tour this December, playing more than 290 games in over 250 cities in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico through April 2014. Make a new holiday tradition with your family by purchasing tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or visiting www.harlemglobetrotters.com for more information.

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Here Comes Santa Claus!Legendary Santa knows how to make a grand entrance - whether in a

sleigh, down a chimney or on Broad Street! Taking a break from the busy season at the North Pole, good ol’ Saint Nick will be in Richmond

as the guest of honor for the 30th Annual Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th. The Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Children’s Museum and concludes at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.

Stacey Daub couldn’t be more excited about the holiday season. Each year, she attends the Christmas Parade with her family. “I love watching the kids all huddled up together anticipating the arrival of Santa,” she said. “It’s a direct view of perfect and precious innocence - and most importantly, the joy of Christmas.”

The jolly man has the same effect on older generations as well.Henrico County resident Jess Stapleton Ross recalls, ”My husband and

I both grew up seeing Legendary Santa, and taking our two daughters to see him now is one of our most cherished Christmas traditions. Thanks to his great-great-aunt having her picture taken with him as one of Santa’s helpers in the early days, we now have five generations of pictures with the Legendary Santa.”

Families can visit Legendary Santa and his lovely Snow Queen at the Children’s Museum of Richmond Central Location daily from November 29 – December 24. For more information, visit www.LegendarySanta.org.

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