Holidazzle parades begin tonight

With a new sponsor, new costumes and a new float, the Holidazzle parades return for a 16th year beginning tonight on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: November 23, 2007 - 7:56 AM

With a new sponsor, new costumes and a new float, the Holidazzle parades return for a 16th year beginning tonight on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

Macys took over sponsorship of the holiday spectacle of more than 1 million lights along with floats, marching bands and colorful costumes featuring characters from popular nursery rhymes and holiday tales. TCF had sponsored the event for the past six years.

The new sponsor will introduce the first new Holidazzle float in three years. Called Nutcracker, the float will complement the stores annual eighth-floor auditorium holiday show. Dancing red stars will usher Santa down the mall.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be the grand marshal for tonights parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The Minnesota Chorale and the Minnesota Freedom Band will be the featured musical acts.

Parades lasting 30 minutes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays today through Dec. 23 on Nicollet Mall, beginning at 12th Street and ending at 5th Street.

For more information see www.macysholidazzle.com or call 612-376-7669.

Tim Harlow • harlow@startribune.com

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