Click to Call: 
As the sun set on our Pre-Parade Celebration at the annual Light the Station, it was finally time to begin the main event – a spectacular holiday parade! Horse-mounted policemen led the way and were followed by themed floats interspersed with live performances in many genres and styles. First, the “Letters to Santa” float focused on bringing smiles to children’s faces. It featured an oversized red mailbox and giant letters written to Santa. With a vintage light post, festive garland, and stuffed mailbags, it was just what a kid imagines at this time of the year. The float was accompanied by Santa’s elves and younger elves, too.
This was followed by two dozen performers with the Stayin’ Alive Crew – a local group of cheerleaders and dancers who inspire a passion for life after 50. Yes, these fun women with pompoms are out to prove that you are never too old to be active and have fun. After the Crew’s white Miata convertible passed by, decorated Atlantic Station golf carts made an appearance, and a winter-theme Rockette duo was a serious crowd pleaser
Our next float displayed the “Giant Ornament Vignette,” emitting glows and sparkles from the 10-ft. tall holiday décor. The Atlanta Drum Academy was got everybody tapping and clapping (including Freddie Falcon!) before two Elf on the Shelf on stilts characters strolled by. More Atlantic Station golf carts readied onlookers for the next float.
With a 10-ft. glass of bubbly, the “Champagne Celebration” float may have been our favorite. The floating champagne glass held 1,000 balloon bubbles, and a festive, glitzy champagne server rode along. This was followed by cigar girl-style greeters and a 1966 Green Buick Electra 225 Convertible with “Marilyn Monroe.” These parade inclusions provided a fun way to celebrate the client’s mid-century motif.
The theme continued with the “Dancing Dice!” float, which harkened back to the 1950s with glowing holiday dice and old-school record albums. Next, a vintage, bedazzled VW Beetle with holiday antlers was flanked by red-suited models. Additional parade participants included a Christmas tree greeter wearing a dress studded with blinking Christmas tree lights, the holiday carolers in Dickens-style attire, a second line band, and more decorated golf carts.
The Here Comes Santa Claus Train brought up the caboose of the parade, and the jolly bearded one completed his Santerly duty by flipping the giant switch to light the 20-ft. tree on the Atlantic Station green. All that was left to do was to cue the fireworks!
Throughout all of the floats, performances and features, we made sure that the parade looked and sounded as good in person as it would on television. We included massive elements that would work well in wide shots and also paid attention to the little details that kept all parade participants camera-ready for closeups. Even if the holidays look a little different this year, this festive parade reminded us that holiday spirit doesn’t change. Take a look for yourself!
