Chicago's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival(R) presented by Harris kicks off the 2009 Holiday Season, November 21-22

Plain White T's, Mitchel Musso of Disney Channel's 'Hannah Montana,' and Deborah Roberts of ABCs '20/20' and 'Good Morning America,' and Ashley Greene of 'Twilight' among those in the celebrity line-up

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CHICAGO, Nov. 10

    WHO:   The 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights FestivalĀ® Presented
           by Harris...

    WHAT:  ...will mark the official start of the 2009 Holiday Season with
           more than one million people traveling from all over the U.S. to
           enjoy a weekend filled with free holiday activities along the
           world class Magnificent MileĀ®. Offering something for everyone,
           the event will feature a variety of celebrity entertainers,
           appearances by beloved Disney characters, interactive booths and a
           mile filled with holiday offers at North Michigan Avenue's famous
           shops, restaurants and hotels.

           The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris procession
           will commence on Saturday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. The procession
           will feature more than 30 spectacular floats, marching bands and
           other performers, with Mickey Mouse from Disney Parks as the grand
           marshal who will illuminate more than one million lights on 200
           trees along The Magnificent Mile.

           Deborah Roberts of ABC's "20/20" and Good Morning America will be
           among the hosts of an hour-long nationally televised ABC 7 Chicago
           special on The Magnificent Mile that will air on Saturday, November
           21 from 6-7 pm CST.  In addition to showing highlights of the day's
           entertainment and the entire procession, special celebrity
           greetings will also be featured as part of the program.

           This year's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented by Harris
           also marks the launch of the first annual The Extra Mile: Acts of
           Kindness to Start the Holiday Season program. The program allows
           patrons of participating shops, restaurants and hotels to give to
           a variety of local, regional and national charity organizations
           through a host of day-long activities and deals. For a complete
           list of participants, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Event highlights include:
              -- Lights Festival Lane, an interactive, holiday wonderland
                 on Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue).
              -- A festive Culinary Pavilion brought to you by The
                 Signature Room at the 95th, which includes demonstrations
                 by several area restaurants like The Signature Room at the
                 95th and MARKETHOUSE.
              -- Musical performances on the Harris Stage from 11 am - 5 pm
                 featuring Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime
                 Players, Ralph's World, Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew,
                 Mitchel Musso presented by Radio Disney and the Plain White
                 T's presented by 101.9 FM THE MIX.
              -- Procession floats featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends from
                 Disney Parks and giant holiday-themed balloons, along with a
                 variety of performers including the famous NOGGELER
                 Guuggenmusig from Lucerne, Switzerland and numerous marching
                 bands. Ashley Greene of "Twilight" and Tony Esposito of the
                 Chicago Blackhawks will be among several of the celebrities
                 appearing in the lighting procession. The procession
                 culminates with Santa's arrival. A spectacular fireworks
                 display marks the grand finale.


           For a complete schedule and a list of activities and holiday
           offers, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Become a fan of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented
           by Harris on facebook and follow real-time event updates and
           special deals on twitter at www.twitter.com/Lightmymile

    WHERE: One of the Great Avenues of the World...
           North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

    WHEN:  Friday, November 20
           Guests can settle in and begin to take advantage of all of the
           hotel, restaurant and retail holiday deals and offers listed in
           The Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide. The guide will be
           available on site and is also available online at
           www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Saturday, November 21
           11 am - 5 pm: Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court is open
           with live entertainment and dozens of family friendly activities.
           5:30 pm: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris
           lighting procession begins.
           6:55 pm: Fireworks display over the Chicago River at Michigan
           Avenue and Wacker Drive.

           Sunday, November 22
           Day-long shopping and dining deals offered benefiting a variety
           of charities as part of "The Extra Mile" program.

     To prearrange event day interviews and photo opportunities, and for
     a complete entertainment schedule, contact Denise O'Handley at
     847-648-2644.

SOURCE The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association

November 10, 2009 / category: Things To Do / link / comments (0)

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