1 of 2
Susan Urmy
2 of 2
Susan Urmy
1. It's all for a great cause.
Proceeds from the 92nd annual Nashville Christmas Parade support the lifesaving work of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, and the Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth program. As a nonprofit organization, Children's Hospital cares for patients regardless of their ability to pay. Share the Warmth is an energy-assistance program designed to help low-income families pay their monthly energy bills, regardless of the energy source used in the home.
2. It has a long history.
Nashville's Christmas Parade dates back to 1927 and has been a Music City holiday tradition ever since. Numerous organizations and entertainers have participated in the parade since its inception, spreading holiday cheer to thousands of parade goers (and those who watch on television) each year.
3. The floats are a big deal.
The elaborate floats seen making their way down Broadway during the parade are brought to Nashville from a 250,000 square foot studio in New Orleans. The company that produces the floats, Kern Studios, also creates floats for 18 annual Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.
4. It’s award winning.
The 2016 Nashville Christmas Parade was awarded for best special event coverage at the 32nd Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy® Awards. Parade producers John Best, Pamela Bolling, Sarah Griffith, and Julie Carell Stadler (daughter of the late Ann Scott Carell and Monroe Carell Jr., namesake of the hospital) of JM Best Entertainment and Hardrive Productions received the award for their first year producing the event.
5. It’s spearheaded (and executively produced) by local philanthropist Julie Carell Stadler.
Long time Nashville philanthropist Julie Carell Stadler brings her entertainment expertise to the Nashville Christmas Parade year after year in her role as executive producer. Julie also founded Dance Network, the first-ever digital network showcasing all dance styles, and is CEO of Skyway Studios, Nashville’s TV and film production incubator and studio. Through her work with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Julie understands how important the parade is to Nashville and those who receive treatment and care at the hospital. She gives much of her time each year to make the parade a huge success!
6. It's not just a local tradition.
With more than 100,000 people in attendance each year, the crowd is made up of both local and out-of-town spectators. In addition to local live coverage, the parade is syndicated on television and airs across the country throughout the holiday season and into January in more than 160 major markets with an estimated viewership of 14.5 million people.
This year, the world-famous Clydesdales will make their way down the streets of Nashville for the annual spectacle! The Clydesdales will be in town the week of the parade and will make a special visit to Children’s Hospital earlier in the week.
7. It takes a village.
Hundreds of volunteers give their time to serve as balloon handlers, float escorts, banner carriers and more to make the parade a success. World-class performers, ranging from dancers to puppeteers to acrobats, travel in for the parade, and more than 250 costumes are created for the impressive event.
8. Children's Hospital patients serve as parade ambassadors.
Each year, current and former patients serve as child ambassadors to represent the 1,800 children who are cared for daily at Children's Hospital. These brave and inspiring young people can be seen waving at the crowd from the Children's Hospital float during the parade.
This year’s Hometown Hero is Lily Hensiek, a childhood cancer survivor treated at Children’s Hospital. By the age of 18, Lily had already battled cancer twice. She was first diagnosed with leukemia at age 7 and has been determined to end childhood cancer ever since. With the support of her family and community, she created Lily’s Garden, an initiative dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. To date, Lily’s Garden has raised more than $2 million! Now, Lily is a freshman at the University of South Carolina where she’s studying to become a pediatric oncology nurse.
9. It wouldn't be possible without community support.
Generous sponsorships from community partners make the parade the success it is today. From entertainers to media sponsors to those supporting a float or balloon and so much more, friends in the community are vital to the production and experience of this holiday staple.
10. The parade is free to the public, but VIP packages are available.
Spectators can enjoy an exclusive opportunity to be a part of this exciting event with family and friends. Reserved seats are available for between $20-40 and attendees can purchase VIP packages for $2,000. These include 10 VIP experience tickets for breakfast and lunch at The Palm, box parade seats located in the performance zone, valet parking, and more!
Stepping off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7 in downtown Nashville, this year's parade is slated to be the biggest yet with world-class performers, celebrity guests, larger-than-life balloons, custom floats, and fun for all ages.
For VIP packages, sponsorships and other ways to get involved, contact Linde Pflaum at linde.pflaum@vumc.org. To learn more about the 2019 parade, visit nashvillechristmasparade.com.