Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade

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Web: MagnificentMile LightsFestival.com

Email: Todd Marcocci, Coordinating Producer

Phone: 610-431-1121

If you're interested in entering your band in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, please request an application from Todd Marcocci at the contact info above.

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For more than 50 years, the trees along Chicago's North Michigan Avenue have been illuminated to signal the official kick-off of the holiday season. With the help of more than 800 volunteers, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris encourages everyone to join in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy a host of festive experiences along Chicago's "Magnificent Mile."

The centerpiece of the day-long festival is the evening parade, and the lights on Michigan Avenue are literally illuminated block-by-block as the procession passes. More than 1 million spectators line the parade route each year to see the lighted floats, marching bands, balloons and performing artists.

The entire day of events is produced by the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association which is a private, non-profit membership organization with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

The 1.2-mile parade route travels under millions of twinkling lights along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. The parade is free and open to the public. The event is televised live in the Chicago area and is also re-broadcast throughout December in various cities across the nation.

Spring-Ford High School Marching Band, Royersford, Pennsylvania
Loyola Academy Marching Ramblers, Wilmette, Illinois
Proviso East High School Marching Band, Maywood, Illinois
Morton West Mustang Band, Berwyn, Illinois
The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline, Crystal Lake, Illinois

• A spectacular fireworks show is held over the Chicago River immediately after the parade, serving as a grand finale to this holiday event.
• Live concerts are held all afternoon on the Harris Stage in Pioneer Court at 401 North Michigan Avenue. Artists appearing last year included the Radio Disney Road Crew and Crystal Bowersox of American Idol.

Saturday, November 19, 2011
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Saturday, November 23, 2013
(Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving)

Web: MagnificentMileLightsFestival.com

Email: Todd Marcocci, Coordinating Producer
Phone: 610-431-1121

If you're interested in entering your band in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, please request an application from Todd Marcocci at the contact info above.

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