HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Instead of floats on the streets, it's lights in the sky.
After canceling Huntsville's annual Christmas Parade due to COVID-19 concerns, the city announced an event billed as the "Christmas Fireworks Spectacular."
The Von Braun Center Christmas Fireworks Spectacular is on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Joe Davis Stadium
“Hosting a fireworks show is a great way to celebrate the holiday season,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Everyone can be out of doors, socially distanced, and enjoy a spectacular display that will be fun for the entire family.”
The event is free, but spectators are encouraged to bring new blankets to donate to The Comfort Care Hospice and Home Health Blanket Drive, which will be given to local senior citizens in the Tennessee Valley.
“It’s important to all of us at Mix 96.9 and the VBC to provide a safe and fun event for the Huntsville community to enjoy,” explained WRSA Midday Host and Christmas Parade Coordinator, Blair Davis. “While this year's Christmas festivities may look different without our traditional Huntsville Christmas Parade, we're excited to maintain the spirit of the season by providing Huntsville with a fun and safe alternative - the Christmas Fireworks Spectacular!”
Music synchronized with the fireworks show will play on on the Mix 96.9 FM radio station and will last for approximately 20 minutes.
“The COPT Redstone Gateway team is excited to partner with Mix 96.9 and the Von Braun Center to sponsor this year’s Christmas Firework’s Spectacular," said Redstone Gateway Director of Asset Management and Leasing, James Lomax. "Christmas celebrations are a staple in Huntsville, much like Redstone Gateway is becoming, and we’re so excited to give back to the community."
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The city says that parking will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will close at 6:45 p.m. There will be three separate entrances into the parking lot: The main entrance to Joe Davis Stadium off of South Parkway; the Jaycee Way entrance off of Airport Road; and the entrance off of Leeman Ferry Road. Upon entry into the parking lot, cars will be directed to parking spots.
Want to park with a group? For groups who are arriving in separate vehicles and would like to park beside each other, please arrive consecutively as no parking spots will be reserved. Cars will be parked with one spot between one another to accommodate for social distancing for those who wish to sit outside their vehicles to enjoy the show.
Event organizers say that portable chairs, blankets and snacks are encouraged. No concessions will be served during this free event. Comfort Care Hospice and Home Health are the VIP Sponsors and will deliver holiday gift bags to attendees and will be asking kids to fill out "Wish Lists." Mix 96.9 will announce on-air the following week which wishes will be granted.
"This year has been extremely difficult for the entire community," remarked VBC Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Samantha Nielsen. "We look forward to partnering with Mix 96.9 each year to provide our friends and neighbors with a free Christmas Parade. This year, we're honored to close out 2020 with another fun Christmas event!"
For more information about the 2020 Mix 96.9 Von Braun Center Christmas Fireworks Spectacular, click here.
