City Announces Poinsettia Christmas Parade Grand Marshal
December 1, 2010
GSP Executive Director honored for role in Southwest Airlines arrival
GREENVILLE, SC – December 4, 2010 – The City of Greenville will honor Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) Executive Director Dave Edwards, Jr. as the 2010 Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade Grand Marshal for his role in the arrival of Southwest Airlines to Greenville. Edwards will join over 70 parade units including musical marching groups, elaborately decorated floats and, of course, Santa Claus. This year’s parade theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and will take place on Main Street from Augusta Street to North Street on December 4 at 6 p.m.
“My wife and I are thrilled to have been asked to take part in this holiday tradition,” said Edwards. “2010 has been a great year for this community and indeed the whole Upstate. We look forward to a wonderful holiday season followed by a very Happy New Year.”
The parade night will kick off with a holiday music performance by the Greenville Chorale at 5:15 p.m. followed by the traditional tree lighting with Mayor Knox White at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Greenville Symphony at 200 South Main Street.
Parade unit highlights include the Wells Fargo Stagecoach, a horse-drawn replica of a stagecoach from the Old West and Captain Sharky, a large plane carrying Southwest employees as well as members of the committee that helped bring Southwest Airlines to Greenville.
“The Poinsettia Christmas Parade is one of the more popular events of the year,” said Mayor White. “It is the perfect event to bring the entire family together as we usher in the holiday season.”
Keeping with the true spirit of the holidays, the City of Greenville and Blue Star Mothers have partnered to promote giving back by collecting donations during the parade. Blue Star Mothers, a non-profit organization supporting troops serving in the military, will set up several collection sites on the parade route beginning at 6 p.m. Requested items include writing paper and envelopes; dental products such as mouthwash, toothbrushes and toothpaste; powdered drink mixes; dry food and snacks; board games; music; toiletries; pre-paid phone cards; reading material and seasonal items. A complete list of requested donation items can also be downloaded at www.greenvillesc.gov/PublicInfo_Events/ChristmasParade.aspx.
Spectators will find ample places to view the parade along the route, with prime seating located from the Main Street Bridge south toward Falls Park. Attached is the parade route. For additional information about the parade, please visit the City’s website or contact Special Events Coordinator Will Young at 467-4484.
