Media

Talking Points for the 2008 Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights, Presented by CHASE

Parade Producer - Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.

Sponsors
Chesapeake Energy (title sponsor), CHASE (presenting sponsor),  XTO Energy (Holiday Fun Zone sponsor), City of Fort Worth (marketing and promotion sponsor), Coors Distributing Company (float sponsor and announce stand sponsor), AmeriCredit (announce stand sponsor), University of Texas Arlington/Fort Worth Center (announce stand sponsor), Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Tarrant Regional Water District (float sponsor), KDMX-FM, La Preciosa, KISS-FM, KEGL-FM, KDGE-FM, Starbucks Coffee Company (float sponsor), Courtyard by Marriott/Blackstone Hotel.

History
First staged in 1983 (26th annual) to help Fort Worth celebrate family and togetherness in a spirited way. It has grown to become one of the top Illuminated Parades in the country.

Theme
”To Be Announced”

Reserved Seats on Sale Online

Parade Route
From corner of Belknap and Taylor streets, east on Belknap to Commerce, then south on Commerce to 6th. Next, west on 6th to Houston, and finally north on Houston to Weatherford.

Schedule of Activities:

  • 2:00 PM - Holiday Fun Zone presented by XTO Energy opens at the Chisholm Trail Parking area, between 3rd and 4th Streets downtown.
  • 4:00 PM - Come early to get a great seat, enjoy some hot chocolate, and visit the shops of Sundance Square (or purchase reserved seating).
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  • 5:45 PM - Cowboy Santas step off and travel along the parade route to collect toys for needy children. Bring an unwrapped toy!
  • 6:00 PM - Parade begins featuring over 100 illuminated entries.
    • Grand Marshals - To Be Announced
    • Parade floats from Chesapeake Energy, Sundance Square, Chase Bank, Devon Energy, Dallas Cowboys, Bell Helicopter, XTO Energy, Starbucks, Clear Channel Radio, Tarrant Regional Water District and, of course, Santa's arrival on the Downtown Fort Worth Inc. float!
    • Entries featuring community groups and supporters from around Fort Worth.
    • And much, much more!
  • 7:10 PM - Santa begins his trip around the parade route on a specially designed float.
  • 7:35 PM - Lighting of the 56' Fort Worth Christmas Tree in Sundance Square, on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, featuring the Texas Ballet Company and over 4,000 lights.
  • 7:45 PM - Photos with Santa, benefiting Fort Worth Sister Cities program, continuing until 10:00 PM.
  • 8:00 PM - "A Christmas Story" movie on a giant screen in the Chisholm Trail parking lot.  Bring your own chair

Transporation/Parking
After 4 p.m., free bus service by “The T” along any of its regular routes.
Parking information online at www.FortWorthParking.com

To Volunteer
Urgent need for parade marshals, float drivers, mascots, review-stand spotters, etc.
Contact Kari Brantley at Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, 817-336-2787, x24 or kari@dfwi.org


Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
777 Taylor Street, Ste. 100
Fort Worth, TX  76102