For Immediate Release - May 20, 2010
Contact: Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.com
Duquesne Light to Power Light Up Night® 50th Anniversary Celebration
America’s Favorite Dog Snoopy to Make Special Appearance
Pittsburgh, PA— Nothing says the holidays in Downtown Pittsburgh like the annual tradition of Light Up Night® festivities held throughout the Golden Triangle. This year marks a significant milestone—the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Light Up Night®—and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) announced during a morning press conference at the Doubletree Hotel City Center Downtown that Duquesne Light will be the Lead Sponsor of the weekend-long celebration.
“Duquesne Light has been a long-time supporter of Light Up Night® and we’re honored to partner with the PDP to bring this extensive event to life for the community. Never before have we seen a holiday celebration of this magnitude in the Golden Triangle and we’re looking forward to being a part of it,” said Barry Kukovich, Manager of Customer Relations for Du
quesne Light.
Earlier this year, the PDP announced that the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Light Up Night® will take place Nov. 19 – 20 and will include two new signature events—a Candlelight Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Celebrate Santa! show in the newly renovated Market Square. These new events will be combined with the longstanding traditions of Light Up Night’s past, like the opening of the ice skating rink at PPG Plaza, ceremonial tree lightings, holiday window unveilings, and of course, fireworks over the Allegheny River!
Also returning on Friday, Nov. 19 will be the rockin’ Light Up Night® Bridge Party on the Clemente Bridge featuring performances by local bands, including Johnny Angel and the Halos. Market Square will return as a performance venue after being closed for last year’s festivities. Plans are also underway for a special lighting in the Square on Nov. 19.
“Corporate and community support is essential for the ongoing success of Light Up Night®, which drew record crowds last year and contributed to a positive economic impact on Downtown businesses and hospitality establishments,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the PDP. “Duquesne Light’s generous financial commitment and partnership makes this community celebration possible and we expect a half million people to come Downtown for the weekend.”
Candlelight Horse Drawn Carriage Parade
Duquesne Light is also the title sponsor of the new Candlelight Horse Drawn Carriage Parade, set for Saturday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. featuring more than 40 carriages coming from the quad-state area and 250 horses of all types and sizes. Each lighted carriage will carry period costumed characters—some Victorian and some Western—in addition to several local and national celebrities known to both children and adults. The parade will step off from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and conclude in the newly renovated Market Square. The actual parade route is still being determined and will be announced at a later date.
“When we first saw the images of this stunning parade with vintage carriages illuminated in white lights, stately horses and attendants decked in holiday attire, it looked like a holiday card come to life,” said Kukovich. “Duquesne Light is delighted to bring this this very unique parade to Downtown Pittsburgh for the first time so families and children from all over the region can enjoy the magic of this special season.”
Celebrate Santa! Show in Market Square
The latter part of the carriage parade will become a dazzling Santa show, complete with elves, toy soldiers and antique fire trucks and police cars from the North Pole who will travel into Market Square. Santa will amaze the crowd as he conducts a stunning lighting ceremony in the brand new square.
“The PDP has learned during our talks with Santa that he has a divinity license, so don’t be surprised if you see a spectacular wedding by Santa in Market Square this holiday season,” said Edwards.
Snoopy Celebrates 60th Birthday During Light Up Night® Weekend
America’s favorite dog will not only make a special appearance in the Candlelight Horse Drawn Carriage Parade, he will be skating at the PPG Ice Rink on Nov. 20. Details about his 60th birthday party at a yet-to-be-disclosed Downtown location will be released soon! Created by the late Charles Schulz, Snoopy has been a regular fixture in American households since 1950 via newspaper comics, toys, merchandise and holiday television programs. Snoopy will be appearing courtesy of United Media and the ToonSeum.
“The ToonSeum is delighted to partner with the PDP to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Peanuts as Light Up Night® Celebrates its 50th birthday.” Said ToonSeum, Executive Director Joe Wos, “Snoopy is one of the most beloved and iconic characters in history. It is a great honor to have Snoopy here in Pittsburgh to be a part of this celebration.”
PDP Seeking Marching Bands and Performers
Last year, the PDP introduced the Highmark Light Up Night March—a musical march through the Golden Triangle performed by local high school marching bands. High schools interested in having their band considered for Light Up Night®/ Weekend, should go to the PDP’s website, www.DowntownPittsburgh.com for details. Bands and choral groups who would like to apply as a potential performer at one of the Light Up Night® venues, may send along materials and/or bios to iderrico@comcast.net.
Light Up Night®/ Weekend Media Partners
The PDP is pleased to have the support of the following media partners:
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, City Paper, Froggy Radio Network, 3WS FM, Q92 FM, BOB FM, KQV AM and Lamar.
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/downtownpitt and become a PDP fan on Facebook.
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