by Christina Echegaray
Leaders with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, joined by local officials and community supporters, gathered Nov. 18 to announce the talent roster for the annual Nashville Christmas Parade, set for Saturday, Dec. 7.
The Swon Brothers, Francesca Battistelli, the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders and the cast of “Aladdin & His Winter Wish” are among the participating performers, and Hayley Orrantia, a Radio Disney Country Artist and star of ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” will be representing Radio Disney Country as the parade emcee.
This year, parade goers and TV viewers can expect a star-studded entertainment roster, giant inflatable balloons and custom floats, all culminating with an appearance by Santa Claus. Children’s Hospital patient Lily Hensiek, a two-time cancer survivor and advocate, will be the parade’s 2019 Hometown Hero.
“Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is thrilled to again partner with the Nashville Christmas Parade this holiday season,” said Julie Carell Stadler, parade co-producer and daughter of the late Monroe Carell Jr. and Ann Scott Carell. “This favorite tradition has brought joy to children and their families for decades and now touches even more lives by benefiting Children’s Hospital.”
The parade will kick off the holiday season in downtown Nashville on Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. WKRN-TV will provide live coverage, and Timeless Syndication will make the parade available for TV stations and other outlets across the country in the weeks to follow.
The event and its festivities benefit Children’s Hospital. As a nonprofit organization, Children’s Hospital provides pediatric specialty care to all children, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. With a recently completed Pediatric Heart Institute, the hospital is expanding its capacity, providing the opportunity to care for even more children in the region and beyond.
“Piedmont Natural Gas is excited for this year’s event,” said Stephen Francescon Jr., community relations manager for Piedmont Natural Gas. “The parade is a great way to bring the spirit of the holidays to Nashville, and we hope everyone in the community comes out to enjoy the fun.” Piedmont Natural Gas is a longtime sponsor of the parade.
Again, this year, the parade is being produced by Tennessee Holiday Productions. Executive producers are John Best, Pamela Bolling and Stadler.
The Nashville Christmas Parade debuted in 1927 and has been an annual tradition every year, except during World War II.
The event is free to the public. To stay up to date on parade happenings and announcements or to purchase reserved seating, visit the Nashville Christmas Parade website at www.nashvillechristmasparade.com/ or Facebook page at facebook.com/-nashvillechristmasparade.
