Santa's First Stop in Metro Detroit -- Downtown Royal Oak's 6th Annual Holiday Magic Parade

Santa's First Stop in Metro Detroit -- Downtown Royal Oak's 6th Annual Holiday Magic Parade

A Bi-National Event

Features 'Miracles on Washington Avenue'

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, November 17, the Downtown Development Authority presents Downtown Royal Oak's Sixth Annual Holiday Magic Parade with an unprecedented twist. Televised live on WJBK-FOX 2, at 10am; with live and repeat telecasts on WROK, this year, Motor City Casino-Hotel will present very special guests, Motown legends, The original Miracles for their debut performance in Downtown Royal Oak singing timeless hits such as "Love Machine." Thousands are expected to visit Santa's First Stop in Metro Detroit for a rare chance to see the band that is credited for launching the Motown Sound, and tens of thousands can watch the spectacular parade from the comfort of their own home. Guests will enjoy early bird Parade Day specials from shops and restaurants beginning at 9am and free coffee and hot chocolate will be provided by Starbucks Coffee Company and treats provided by Dale & Thomas Popcorn and Our Credit Union. Borgo Sisters Dance Studio will perform a holiday jazz dance routine, warming up the crowds and, at 10am, the spectacular Holiday Magic Parade will proceed north on Washington, from Lincoln to Fourth, turn left and end at Fourth and Lafayette.

One of the largest holiday events in Metro Detroit, the fifty unit parade turns bi-national this year with other new additions including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a giant Canadian Walking Flag and the Canadian Cowgirls presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation. The parade combines the best of traditional parades with a Royal Oak twist: marching bands, beautiful equestrian units, dance troupes, funky floats and inflatables, grand Parade Company floats including Fifth Avenue presenting Disco Revival Band "Boogie Dynamite" singing Dancin' Machine by The Jackson Five on the "12 Dancing Princesses Magical Float." The 12 Dancing Princesses is presented by Aqua Salon and will include a Royal Oak Fashion Show by The Apple Tree Room, Chrome, Chaud Jeans and The Ladybug Shoppe. Hollywood Markets will celebrate 57 years in Royal Oak by presenting the Royal Oak Cheer Team, Jazz Band and Marching Band, The Royal Oak Restaurant Association will appropriately present a giant, jolly chef; and The Wizard of Oz complete with corn stalks will be presented by Dale & Thomas Popcorn.

New this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a Limited Edition 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible known as "Santa's Love Machine" presented by Village Chrysler Jeep in Royal Oak. Other featured musical guests include Luther "Badman" Keith singing the holiday blues, as presented by Andiamo Osteria and Rock 'n Roll moms The Candy Band presented by Our Credit Union. In honor of our veterans, a giant U.S. Walking Flag and bagpipe band will lead the parade in honor of our War Veterans. Join Fox 2's Fanchon Stinger, Jason Carr, Ben Bailey and Jackie Paige and WMGC's Linda Lanci as they narrate Santa's First Stop in Metro Detroit.

Immediately following the parade, parents and children are welcome to Santa's Kingdom for visits with Santa and keepsake photos and an autograph signing with The Miracles at Sangria at 401 S. Lafayette Ave., corner of Fourth and Lafayette Avenue in Downtown Royal Oak, at the end of the parade route.

The City of Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority consists of the City Manager and a volunteer board comprised of downtown area property owners, business owners and residents including Chair Kevin Kalczynski, Vice Chair William Harrison and board members Luigi Cutraro, Jim Domanski, Ilene Hill, City Manager Tom Hoover, Tom Lewis, Shirley Smith and Andrey Tomkiw and Tim Thwing, Executive Director.

For more information, call the Downtown Development Authority's Information Line at 248.246.3065 and visit www.downtownroyaloak.org.

Source: City of Royal Oak

CONTACT: Peggy Goodwin, APR, or Shelly Najor, Ph.D., +1-248-414-4533,
+1-248-376-0390, CELL, both for City of Royal Oak

Web site: http://www.downtownroyaloak.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Timeline for Saturday, November 17, 2007, Downtown Royal Oak Shops Open - 9am, Parade Proceeds as Televised Live on Fox 2 10am-11am, Washington Avenue from Lincoln to Fourth, Fourth from Washington to Lafayette, Visits with Santa and The Miracles 11am-1pm, Sangria 401 S. Lafayette (end of parade route)

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Profile: International Entertainment