HUNTINGTON -- The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce's Downtown Live Committee has planned a night of Christmas activities for the 2009 Huntington Christmas parade beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Holly Rice, coordinator of the Downtown Live Committee, said a number of improvements have been made to the this year's parade including lengthening the parade route, having more parade participants and planning more activities. Rice said she's excited about this year's event and looks forward to seeing people come out and supporting the downtown Huntington parade.

"We want it to be a whole family event," Rice said. "We're trying to appeal to everyone you can imagine -- grandparents, mom, dad and the kids."

One of this year's biggest highlights, Rice said, is the new 30-foot Huntington Christmas tree that will be lighted in the center of Pullman Square following the parade. The Huntington-Ironton Empowerment Zone, city of Huntington, Tri-State Transit Authority and Downtown Live combined funds to purchase the tree.

The cooperative effort to buy a tree, she said, is an example of how many people and Tri-State organizations that have worked together to support the parade.

The parade will be led by 2009 Grand Marshal Kayla Williams, Rice said. The Huntington High School student recently won the gold medal on vault in the 2009 World Gymnastic Championships in London.

Williams was chosen after Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., announced that unforeseen circumstances would force him to be in Washington during the parade.

Parade participants will line up at 6 p.m. The parade route is from 13th Street to 8th Street on 4th Avenue. Then participants will march down 8th Street to 3rd Avenue and continue down 3rd Avenue to Pullman Square. Rice said 60 groups, organizations, local businesses, schools and, of course, Santa Claus have made commitments to participate.

Five local marching bands, Rice said, will be entertaining the crowds. The bands are expected to do a short performance in front of the Elks Lodge on 4th Avenue where dozens of local city and county officials will be seated.

The participating marching bands will be entered in a drawing for $500 sponsored by Verizon Wireless. The winner will be announced after the parade, Rice said.

Downtown Live has also planned a number of activities to entertain the entire family before, during and after the parade. The ThunderTones Barbershop Chorus will perform in front of the Elks Lodge before the parade. Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, Nancy's School of Dance and the Saints Alive Chorus will also be on hand to entertain the crowd.

In an effort to keep parade-goers warm, Starbucks will provide free coffee and Latta's Toy Station and MUG and PIA on 3rd Avenue will provide free hot chocolate. The Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau will also be handing out cookies.

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