Joe Mantegna to Serve as Grand Marshal of the 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marines ‘Toys for Tots’

-Photo Courtesy of The Hollywood Christmas Parade

Erik Estrada and Laura Mckenzie to Serve as Broadcast Hosts

Tony Award and Emmy Award-Winning and Golden Globe Award-Nominated Actor, JOE MANTEGNA (“Glengarry Glen Ross” – Broadway, “Bleacher Bums” – PBS, “Criminal Minds,” “The Rat Pack,” “The Godfather: Part III,” “The Simpsons Movie,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “The Starter Wife,” “The Last Don,” National Spokesperson for The U.S. Army Museum) will serve as Grand Marshal of The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots. The parade will be presented live by The City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 25, 2012 starting with a Pre-Parade Show Spectacular at 5:30 p.m., with the Parade commencing at 6:30 p.m.
Presenting Sponsors of The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots include The City of Los Angeles, the Hallmark Channel and Associated Television International, which is executive producing the live parade and the telecast of it. Hollywood’s Santa Parade, LLC serves as a producer of the live parade. Community Sponsors include: Author Services, Metro, Twin America and Sister Cities.
Joe Mantegna said: “I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots. It means a great deal to me to part of this fine American tradition that has brought wonderful holiday cheer to millions over its 80-year history. In my family Christmas is one of most joyous times of the year. Let’s celebrate together in the streets of Hollywood on November 25th. See you then!”
“Angelenos have always had a tremendous sense of community. The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a festive event that truly embodies the holiday spirit and giving back,” said Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. “It is a fun way to bring the community together every year and I am pleased to share in the Hollywood holiday magic.”
“The Hollywood Christmas Parade is one of L.A.’s favorite holiday traditions and a great way for us to showcase this dynamic neighborhood. I encourage everyone to bring their family to this free, fun event,” said Councilmember Eric Garcetti (Thirteenth District), who represents Hollywood Boulevard where the parade will take place.
Councilmember Tom LaBonge (Fourth District) added: “This is the greatest parade in the city. Nowhere else can you see so many families and so many smiles. Come for the fun and leave on the Red Line!”
Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation said: “Toys for Tots truly appreciates being selected as the charity partner of The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade. We believe our presence in the parade will offer a reminder to families across the nation to think of those less fortunate this holiday season. By donating a new unwrapped toy or by making a cash contribution to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, we will be able to bring smiles to children on Christmas morning who otherwise might be forgotten.”
A Pre-Parade Show Spectacular, commencing at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 25th, will take place on the Red Carpet Grandstand area of the parade featuring the talents of “American Idol” finalist, singer Kimberley Locke; magician Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic; performers from Cirque de Soleil’s “IRIS;” the performance artists, Jabowakeez; singer Ashlee Keating; performers from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the gay and lesbian choir, West Coast Singers.
The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots will feature over 100 celebrities from film, television and stage; 20 Award-Winning Bands (including 12 from the state of California and 8 from out of state – Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee, and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard; 9 Colorful Equestrians; 6 Ornate Floats; 7 Spectacular Live Performers; 15 Festive Balloons and 27 Popular Characters/Novelties.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, including Ticketmaster.com (search for Hollywood Christmas Parade), select Walmart locations, select Simon Mall locations, Curacao locations or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000. Here is a direct link for buying tickets online: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900495F637E1D4D?artistid=1796731&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=54. All seats are reserved at the time the order is placed. There are no refunds or exchanges. Group Discounts are available. All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
For Information Only about the parade, please the 24/7 Parade Hotline toll fee at 1-866-PARADE1 (866-727-2331).
Free Curbside Seating will be available along the entire parade route, starting East of the Grandstand Seating area on Hollywood Boulevard. One of the easiest ways to get to the parade is to take Metro. There are two stations located on the parade route, one at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and another at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. For further information or to plan the best route, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net.
There are numerous Parking Lots in close proximity to the parade route, including Grant Parking lots located throughout Hollywood, as well as at the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Complex accessible from Highland Avenue, near Hollywood Boulevard. Most lots are paid parking. Please contact individual parking lots for pricing.
For updates and further information about The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots, please call 1-866-PARADE1.

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