Houston favorites and Disney Star, Kenton Duty to perform holiday favorites on Thanksgiving morning
Houston, TX, Nov. 20- On Thanksgiving morning (November 22), from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., holiday magic will take over the downtown streets of Houston. With spectacular floats, gigantic balloons, new characters and more, the 63rd Annual Holiday Parade presented by H-E-B will return with fan favorites but will also introduce new, exciting entertainment for the entire family.
“We’re excited to celebrate the 63rd Annual Holiday Parade this year and our goal is to always provide a fresh, holiday experience for all” said Susan Moriarty, Director of the Parade. “We are bringing to Houston some of their favorite entertainers, and also showcasing new talent that everyone in the family will enjoy.”
The parade will feature over 5,000 participants, and in a magical celebration that can only be seen in the streets of downtown Houston on Thanksgiving morning.
The entertainment lineup is as follows:
Kenton Duty
Teenage heartthrob Kenton Duty, our featured entertainer is known for his role on the hit Disney channel original series “Shake It Up,” where he plays a boastful dancer named Gunther Hessenheffer. Duty has appeared in several movies and was casted as the “Teenage Boy,” on the popular ABC TV series “Lost.”
Houston Texans Cheerleaders
The official cheerleading squad of the Houston Texans of the National Football League will keep the crowd moving, once again at the parade. The group has been with the team since the team's inception in 2002, and we're excited to have them join us at the parade on the KHOU float.
Wheatley High School Band
The marching band Wheatley High School from Houston’s Fifth Ward will be amongst other three bands in the holiday parade this year. A returning parade favorite, we’re happy to welcome them back.
Apache Belles
The Tyler Junior College Apache Belles have been entertaining since 1947. Their high kicks and precise dance routines have gained recognition in their hometown, and all over Texas. This year they will perform to “Lady Madonna” at the holiday parade.
Waltrip High School Ram Band
The Waltrip High School Ram Band has received superior rating in division one and we are happy to feature their skills at the 63rd Annual Holiday Parade.
X-Treme Dance Company
This dance company has been in the Houston community for eight years and aims to educate their clients through dance education and health fitness. X-treme Dance Company will perform their number “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa” at the holiday parade.
“The Magic of Peter Pan,” Theater Under the Stars (TUTS)
Since the 1960’s, TUTS has been entertaining Houstonians and their holiday tradition lives on at the parade. This year, “Peter Pan,” “Captain Hook,” and “Tiger Lilly,” will perform at the Holiday Parade a mashup of some of their most popular songs.
Austin High School Band
This high school band has won national band competitions for their skills in marching and band music. We are thrilled to have the Austin High School Band display their talent at the holiday parade.
Cy-Falls Drill Team
Cy-Falls High School “Sky Dancers” will be an amazing performance to watch out for from 24 of Cy-Falls High School dancers on Thanksgiving Day.
UCA Varsity Cheerleaders
Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA was founded in 1974, and this year they will join )Houston for the magical celebration of the Holiday Parade. UCA’s goal is to inspire leadership in and out the field, and we are excited to share in their inspiration.
“The Nutcracker,” Houston Ballet
One of Houston’s beloved traditions will be displayed on Thanksgiving Day with the performance of the much acclaimed “The Nutcracker.” This is one performance that will have families out of their seats and into the holiday spirit.
Bellville Brahmadoras
The dancers from Bellville High School, Bellville Brahmadoras, will put on quite the dance recital on Thanksgiving Day. Their performance is one that you just don’t want to miss.
MacArthur High School Drill Team
The members of the MacArthur High School Drill team are proud to have won the national title this year for their highly entertaining performances. This year we’ll get to see why they took home the coveted title.
Salvation Army Kettle and Choir
In the spirit of the holidays to come, the Salvation Army will give Houston a beautiful performance with their Harbor Lights Choir. This all-male choir is an extension of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center and Red Shield Lodge.
Santa Claus and Texans Cheerleaders
Every child’s favorite character, Santa Claus, will march in with the Texans Cheerleaders as they perform to one of our favorite Christmas tunes “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”
To learn more about what’s in store this year at the 63rd Annual Holiday Parade presented by H-E-B, and to reserve your front and center seat, visit www.houstonholidayparade.com.
To interview the Parade Director, Susan Moriarty or The Houston Festival Foundation President/CEO, Kim Stoilis contact Cynthia Murga at Cynthia@medley-inc.com/713-935-5766 or Ashley Small at ashley@medley-inc.com or 281-827-3419.
The official parade hashtag is #HolidayParade. For live updates, follow on Twitter at @HoustonHoliday.