posted November 17, 2003
The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership will kick off its Winter Days & Lights series with Christmas on the River and Grande Illumination on Friday, Nov. 28.
This free family event, supported by EPB, will take place beginning at 7 p.m. in Coolidge Park, where crowds will witness the 23rd annual Christmas on the River Lighted Boat Parade.
More than 30 boats will be decked in lights to present an illustrious show of yuletide splendor as they circle between Veteran’s and Market Street Bridges.
Consistently recognized as a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, Christmas on the River also hosts a holiday performance by rock group Big Deal on the riverbank stage and a live Nativity scene by First Baptist Church-Soddy Daisy with animals provided by Aunt Suzie’s Animal Rescue Zoo.
Warm food and drink concessions will be available.
Following the boat parade at 8 p.m., the fun continues with a downtown lighting extravaganza at Coolidge Park. The Grande Illumination will commence with lively song and dance performances by the Lindsay Fussell Dancers and Choo Choo Kids as they present a rock ‘n’ roll Christmas.
Everyone’s attention will then turn towards the sky as Santa joins in on the celebration by skydiving into Coolidge Park (weather permitting) and taking the stage to dazzle the audience with a dramatic light show and illuminate 130 downtown buildings.
Santa will also lead the audience in a special community candlelight ceremony. The celebration candles may be purchased on-site throughout the show for $3.
A glittering fireworks finale including pyrotechnic waterfalls over the Tennessee River will bring the evening to a colorful conclusion at 8:45 p.m.
Winter Days & Lights is a series of events presented by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership to bring crowds to Downtown Chattanooga during the holiday season. The corporate sponsor for Christmas on the River and The Grande Illumination is EPB.
Christmas on the River & Grande Illumination will be followed by Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 29; Holiday Starlight Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6; and Appalachian Christmas on Friday, Dec. 12.
For more information on Winter Days and Lights, call 265-0771.
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