Auburn Hills, Mich. – November 2, 2016 –Plans for the December 3 event are in full swing. The Holiday Extravaganza Advisory Board is proud to announce that Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson will be the Honorary Grand Marshal for the 35th Annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade.
"We are so excited to be coordinating the 35th Holiday Extravaganza," said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Our team has been working non-stop to make this year the biggest and best Holiday Extravaganza yet. Don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend."
The 2017 Holiday Extravaganza will be presented by Genisys Credit Union and Oakland County Michigan Works. This effort is a collaborative event between the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake. Each year they work together, tirelessly to bring together children of all ages to kick off the holiday season.
This free event draws in thousands of families from all over the state. Holiday Extravaganza includes the WinterFUN Festival from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. held at the Crofoot Ballroom and the Parade beginning at 11 a.m. The parade steps off at the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency on Cesar Chavez and continues down Saginaw Street ending at the Phoenix Center. People of all ages will delight in the colorful display of professional floats, horse-drawn wagons and carriages, local marching bands, drill teams, your favorite costume characters, and many large professional balloons.
"It is wonderful to see the excitement of the children and their families as they huddle together to watch the magic of the Holiday Extravaganza. There is an abundance of good cheer and family oriented fun activities to justify keeping this as a beautiful tradition that Pontiac shares with Auburn Hills, Waterford and White Lake," said Dr. Deirdre Waterman, Mayor City of Pontiac.
In addition to the parade, Holiday Extravaganza includes endless free entertainment including a petting zoo, live Santa’s reindeer, face painters, balloon artists, photo opportunities with Michigan ice sculptures, Oakland Community College’s live ice carving competition, s’mores, hot chocolate sites, and much more. Before the parade steps off, children can enjoy interactive activities at the WinterART Festival inside the Crofoot Ballroom from 8:00- 10:30 a.m.
"It is even more evident today that all communities need to work together both economically and socially, to strengthen the greater Oakland County Area," said Senator Mike Kowall, Michigan’s 15th State Senate District. Senator Mike Kowall and County Commissioner Eileen Kowall are pleased to host the S'mores booth at the corner of Saginaw and Huron once again this year. Please bring your family by to sample one of these tasty treats.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in the parade to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. After the parade concludes, children can visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Pontiac Public Library. While they share their holiday wishes with Santa, families can enjoy holiday treats.
After the parade has ended, viewers may continue to build their Holiday Extravaganza Parade memories by referring to their Local Network Channel for the schedule and frequency when the video of the parade will be repeatedly available for viewing.
"Auburn Hills is proud to support the 35th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade with our neighbors in Pontiac, Waterford and White Lake," said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. "This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season and to have a truly unique experience while visiting Pontiac."
"The Holiday Extravaganza is truly one of my favorite events of the year. It’s not only an honor, but also a privilege for Waterford to be involved in this event," said Waterford Township Supervisor, Gary Wall. "It’s so special that all four of our communities come together each year to kick off the holiday season with this great event. And, the only thing better than the parade itself is the looks on the kids’ faces as they wait to see their favorite floats and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. It doesn’t get any better than this!"
This event would not be possible without Presenting Sponsors: Genisys Credit Union and Michigan Works of Oakland County or Corporate Sponsors: Advanced Disposal, Art Van Furniture, Lee Industrial Contracting, Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency, Oakland County Sherriff Department, Oakland University, The Crofoot, The Oakland Press, and United Healthcare.
For more information about Holiday Extravaganza activities, call the Holiday Extravaganza Santa hotline at (248) 322-9800 Ext. 2571 or visit http://www.holidayextravaganza.org/. If you are interested in sponsoring, participating in, or volunteering in theo 2016 Holiday Extravaganza, please email santa@holidayextravaganza.org.
