San Jose Holiday Parade e-Newsletter
Swing for a Cause
INSIDE SUMMER 2007 ISSUE
Message from the Executive Director
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Becoming Mrs. Claus
Santa’s Squad Volunteer Opportunities A March Through Memory Lane
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t is time to tie up the laces, grab those dusty golf clubs and tee up those golf balls. The 2007 “Tee” for Toys Golf Tournament takes to the links on Friday, August 24 at 12:30 p.m. The golf tournament, now in its sixth year at Los Lagos Golf Course in San José, is held annually to raise funds and toys for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and to bring the United States Marine Corps Band to the San Jose Holiday Parade.
“Challenge the Marine” is sponsored by PW Supermarkets. Golfers hit their tee shot against a Marine and if they get their ball closer than the marine they are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a great prize. After golfers finish their 18th hole, they retire to the “19th Hole,” which is a delicious dinner, followed by the annual “Tee for Toys” Silent Auction and Gift Basket drawings. There will be several themed gift baskets awarded and also a Silent Auction, featuring Sports Memorabilia including a signed San Jose Sharks jersey or a signed 49er football. The golf tournament marks the official start of the San Jose Holiday Parade season. Activities and information about this year’s 26th annual parade -- scheduled for Sunday, December 2nd at 8:30 a.m. and televised live on NBC11 at 9:00 a.m. – will be revealed before and after the actual golf tournament. The Toys for Tots program provides toys for families that are less fortunate during the Holiday Season. All golfers are required to bring a new unwrapped toy as part of their registration or give a $10.00 donation which will be collected at the registration table when you check in.
Becoming a Sponsor
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Beginning at 11:00 a.m., the fun-filled day initiates with a quick registration and a Putting Contest with the first of many great prizes that the golfers can win during the afternoon. In fact, there are seven “hole-in-one” contests, in which participants can win prizes from Nike golf clubs, to trips and even a brand new car from Capitol BuickPontiac-GMC. In addition, there are six other contest holes set up throughout the course including closest to the pin, longest drive, straightest drive and all have great prizes ranging from overnight stays at a hotel to gift certificates or golf balls. The most popular hole contest,
Directory Advisory Board Parade Production Team Snowball Alley
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San Jose Holiday Parade 200 East Santa Clara Street 9th Floor San José, CA 95113 408.793.4170 fax 408.292.6435 www.sanjoseholidayparade.com
Message from the Executive Director
ello again parade friends and welcome to the second installment of the Parade Post, the San Jose Holiday Parade’s expressway for keeping fans connected with the latest updates and information about all things parade-related. As the summer months heat up, plans for the upcoming “Tees” for Toys Golf Tournament and preparations for the December 2007 parade are getting even hotter! The golf tournament will feature numerous auction items, improved hole contests complete with fabulous prizes, and a slew of other details sure to make the day an unforgettable success. To find out the details of this great event, refer to the bottom of this page for the complete information. The San Jose Holiday Parade has made significant advances in the planning of its theme for 2007:
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“Imagine. Discover. Experience.” Unit applications have been pouring in from around the country, and the crucial acceptance process is underway to decide who shall be selected to appear in this year’s grand event. In addition, production meetings have begun between parade staff and partner, NBC11, to plan the colossal task of broadcasting the event live on regional television programming. In the next several weeks, the parade line-up should be finalized and we are excited with the progress that has been made thus far. I hope to see you all at the golf tournament and until then, enjoy the remainder of the summer months! Sincerely, Ed Bautista, CFEE Executive Director
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ou are invited to participate in a funfilled day of golfing, and a chance to win great prizes at Los Lagos Golf Course in San José. Your support benefits the San Jose Holiday Parade and United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program. With over 100 golfers attending last year’s “Tee” for Toys tournament, the event continues to increase in popularity every year! Be sure to bring an unwrapped toy to donate as part of the entry fee.
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Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Tech Museum 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.
- Enjoy breakfast with Mrs. Claus and other characters from the parade. - Watch the parade from exclusive bleacher seating. - Seating is limited, so get your tickets early. - Table reservations are also available. $15 per child (3-12 years old) $20 per adult
Becoming Mrs. Claus
An interview with the star of last year’s inaugural event
Metha Sizemore’s love for the winter holiday season nearly parallels her love of children. With that in mind, it is no wonder she was invited to act as the starring role of the inaugural Mrs. Claus Breakfast Nook presented by California Waste Solutions in 2006. The event -- held at the California Tech Museum of Innovation in Downtown San José -- was introduced to the parade weekend’s line-up of festivities for the very first time last year, so the position as Mrs. Claus called for an exceptional candidate to jumpstart its success. Ms. Sizemore, with her grandmotherly affection, was just the right gal for the job. “It was such an honor to serve as a memory-maker for these children and their parents. The respect I received from parents, and the excitement they had at sharing my presence with their own children was extremely heartwarming.” And what was Ms. Sizemore’s favorite memory from the Nook? “Definitely the look on every child’s face as they entered the Tech Museum,” she explains. “It was just a happy time . . . not a grump in the crowd, despite the fact that it was 7:00 a.m. and most the children were still half asleep upon arrival.” But after eating a delicious pancake breakfast and visiting with parade pals and of course, Mrs. Claus— parents and children alike were in awe of the whole experience, and they hadn’t even gotten to their grandstand seats for the parade yet! Like the old tale of Frosty the Snowman being adorned with that magic black top hat and coming to life . . . Ms. Sizemore explains that there is something special about putting on that bright red dress with the white fur trim: “I can walk down the street in normal clothes and not get a second glance, but put on that universally recognized costume and suddenly everyone wants to say hello!” Ms. Sizemore even remembers how, after the event, it took her 35 minutes to walk a mere 2 blocks in distance. “People kept asking if I would pose with them for a picture!” she said with a chuckle. “The whole experience really was such a magical moment in my life . . . I would do it again in a heartbeat.” With plans for the 2007 parade weekend already well underway, it looks as though Ms. Sizemore will get her wish. She has been invited to star at the event again in 2007, where she shall no doubt bring that same awe and holiday enthusiasm to all in attendance. For more information on how you and your family can attend Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Nook or to order tickets, visit http://www.sanjoseholidayparade.com/breakfast. htm. The Parade Post SUMMER 2007 Page 3
Volunteer Opportunities
Lend the jolly old man a hand this year – Join Santa’s Squad to help out with the 2007 San Jose Holiday Parade! Looking for a fun way to get your family into the spirit of the holiday season? Need a service project for your club or organization? Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a parade is produced? No matter the reason, becoming a member of Santa’s Squad for the 2007 San Jose Holiday Parade is a fun and rewarding way to connect with your community and create a world of memories for parade viewers as well as for yourself. On Sunday, December 2nd, you can work as part of a team to help maneuver one of the 13 massive helium balloons through a maze of high-rise buildings, lead a talented dance group through the streets of Downtown as they perform or see the parade up close and personal while monitoring the pace of each unit as a parade marshal – and these are just a few of the exciting opportunities available to Santa’s Squad members. Training for all of Santa’s Squad positions are provided prior to the parade, and each participant receives a 2007 Santa’s Squad t-shirt, official parade pin, coffee and doughnuts, and a complimentary lunch following the parade.
I WANT YOU
for the
www.sanjoseholidayparade.com/volunteers.htm
ENLIST NOW BY APPLYING ONLINE AT
SAN JOSE HOLIDAY PARADE
For more information on joining Santa’s Squad or to sign up, check out the official Santa’s Squad information page at www.sanjoseholidayparade.com or call parade volunteer coordinator, Adriane Mertens at 793-5508 or Melissa Ojeda at 793-4170.
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A March Through Memory Lane
Highlights of the Parade’s Past
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s we look back through many years of holiday celebration in Downtown San José, the San Jose Holiday Parade has remained among the most festive of holiday traditions that downtown has to offer. Now embarking on its 26th year of existence, it is quite an accomplishment to look back at the tremendous strides the parade has made since its first appearance in 1981. That year, the holiday parade was featured at night in what was then known as Plaza Park where its route circled the perimeter two times following Santa’s grand entrance atop the Sainte Claire Hotel. Eventually, the parade grew so large that it was expanded from the perimeter of Plaza de Cesar Chavez to a 1.7 mile extravaganza event traveling down Santa Clara and Market Streets and finishing off at its original location. The mid-1980s highlighted another special addition to the parade by featuring live reindeer. Parade goers were in awe of the antlered reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through the streets of Downtown. Parade enthusiasts were even more awestruck with the remarkable introduction of gigantic helium balloons in 1994, which turned out to be a huge success. The vision of the San Jose Holiday Parade’s first ever helium balloon, Smokey the Bear, weaving between skyscrapers was a definite crowd pleaser. Today the parade features not just one but 13 gigantic helium balloons. The inaugural appearance of the United States Marine Corps Band happened in 1998 and proved to be yet another crowd favorite. Today, in addition to performing
during the parade, the United States Marine Corps band are also headliners at ParadeFest at Christmas in the Park, a post-parade celebration. In 1999, not only was Inflation Celebration added to the parade weekend schedule, but the San Jose Holiday Parade also received recognition by the International Festivals and Events Association and USA Today as, “One of the Top 25 Parades in the United States.” Recently, the parade has added another parade weekend event, Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Nook presented by California Waste Solutions. The event was originally scheduled as a special addition for the parade’s 25th anniversary last year, but it turned out to be such a hit, that it is now an official part of the traditional parade weekend. Of course, the most significant highlight of 2006 was when the parade received the prestigious International Festival and Events Association Grand Pinnacle Award as the Top Event in the world in its budget category for marketing and promotions. This award has inspired the parade team to take the event to the next level in terms of innovation. The history of the San Jose Holiday Parade has come a long way. Parade goers will just have to wait and see what San José has in store for the 2007 parade! But no matter what the surprises entail, one thing is for certain—the San Jose Holiday Parade will continue to uphold its reputation as an exciting and memorable downtown holiday tradition.
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Becoming A Parade Sponsor
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he International Aw a r d - W i n n i n g San Jose Holiday Parade, the largest holiday parade in Northern California and one of the “TOP 25 PARADES IN AMERICA.” Each year, thousands of parade lovers visit Downtown San José to watch the parade in person, and thousands more enjoy the parade on television and streamed worldwide live on the internet. Partnerships may be developed throughout the parade by sponsoring programs, balloons, bands, units, prizes or by presenting a float. This has become the PREMIER
Holiday event for community involvement, marketing partnerships, on-site sampling and television exposure. No other holiday event brings this many opportunities for marketing and community outreach with elements for employee team building and family fun. Many of our sponsors have also won awards for their unique programs and creative marketing partnerships with the parade. The San Jose Holiday Parade would like to salute our current partners and sponsors and hope you support and patronize them as well.
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Volunteer positions for Christmas in the Park will be on Saturday’s October 6th - November17th 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering with Christmas in the Park or for more information, please visit www.christmasinthepark.com/getinvolved/index.html.
Lend A Helping Hand
San Jose Holiday Parade Advisory Board and Production Team
Advisory Board Joe Cardinalli Christina Carrier Linda Carrier Wendy Collins JoAnn Cymanski Marilyn Abad Dan Fenton Mike Fiamingo Capt. Andy Galea Lance Lew Gus Lima Robert Martinez Marty McHale Jim Monroe Eddie Owen Holly Perez Dina Ardizzone Kim Rye Executive Producer CMC Marketing Bank of the West NBC11 Christmas in the Park, Inc. First Parade Director, 1981 Team San José Christmas in the Park, Inc. San Jose Police Dept. NBC11 Lima Family Erickson, Christmas in the Park, Inc. San Jose Mercury News Christmas in the Park, Inc. NBC11 Christmas in the Park, Inc. Intuit Hilton San Jose & Towers Christmas in the Park, Inc. Production Team Ed Bautista, CFEE, Executive Director Edwin Cortez, Parade Coordinator Briana Villanueva, Sponsorship Coordinator Jesse Maldonado, Logistics Coordinator Melina Iglesias, Staging Coordinator Brian Clampitt, Merchandise Coordinator Demetria Machado, Production Coordinator Adriane Mertens, Volunteer Coordinator Athena Ramirez, Associate Parade Coordinator Melissa Ojeda, Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Nook Coordinator Tiffany Parcasio, ParadeFest Coordinator Nicole Morrison, Inflation Celebration Coordinator
The 2007 Parade Post
Managing Editor Ed Bautista Editor Adriane Mertens e-newsletter
Contributing Writers Ed Bautista, Adriane Mertens, Nicole Morrison, and Briana Villanueva Art and Production TIffany Parcasio and Brian Clampitt All SJHP Photos appear courtesy Andrew Rafkind, Pablo Balancio, Kara Capaldo Kim Tamashiro and Melissa Ojeda
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Don’t Forget!
“IMAGINE.DISCOVER.EXPERIENCE.” Schedule of Events Saturday, December 1 Inflation Celebration: 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2 Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Nook: 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. SAN JOSE HOLIDAY PARADE: 8:30 -11:00 a.m. ParadeFest @ Christmas in the Park: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Direct from Snowball Alley…Demetria whips up a Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie!
Looking for a way to “cool down” during the hot summer months? Why not melt away with a refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie. For all you chocolate lovers out there, you are going to be in for a scrumptious surprise as this one-of-a-kind smoothie has a sweet and refreshing taste that will leave you with an invigorating experience. Follow the recipe or add your own take to it by supplementing the ingredients with different types of chocolate.
H ' y uw ll so f c o s ff . ittin o itha rtso o l tu
ho said you should only think of the holidays for a few short months of the year? Well, we at Snowball Alley believe you have the right to celebrate the holidays every month of the year. That being said, Snowball Alley pledges to hit you with all sorts of cool stuff…all year-round! From recipes to relaxation to getaways to gifts, Snowball Alley will share some festive ideas and activities that remind us of our favorite time of the year. We hope you enjoy what we bring to you! If you have a special holiday activity, a few fun facts or a rousing recipe you’d like to share with Snowball Alley, don’t be shy. We’d love to hear from you and possibly publish it in our next edition. It might even help you get on the Big Guy’s Nice List!
Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
Ingredients: 2 cups of Vanilla Truffle or Chocolate Underground yogurt 2 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon mint flavor 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup Directions: Combine ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Yields: 4 short glasses Let us know what you think… and remember to drop us off a few samples!
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