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Politics & Government

Silver Spring Welcomes 14th Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

The Ronald McDonald Magic Show is one of many new elements this year.

Bands, floats, dancers, clowns, beauty queens and animals will march through the streets of downtown Silver Spring heralding in the 2011 holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m..

, traversing from Ellsworth Drive and One Veterans Place then south on Georgia Avenue, ultimately ending at Silver Spring Avenue. ABC 7 Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff is scheduled to serve as master of ceremonies for the second year in a row.

“Downtown Silver Spring is excited to once again host this year’s Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade," said Laurie Yankowski, regional marketing director for the Peterson Companies. “All of Downtown Silver Spring’s merchants and restaurants look forward to this annual event just as much as the community.”

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In addition to crowd favorites like the Silver Spring Penguin balloon, some new things are planned for this year, including an inflatable turkey, a walking nutcracker balloon and Rolling Gingerbread House Balloon complete with the Gingerbread Man. Event-goers will also want to be on the lookout for the Washington Redskins Marching Band, fire engines, the Washington Nationals Baseball Club, and a number of animal rescue groups.

As is tradition, the final float will be Santa in his sleigh, with elves and reindeer passing out candy canes.

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Another first for the 14th annual parade is the Ronald McDonald Magic Show performing near the parade’s end on Silver Spring Avenue.

Volunteers are needed to be in costume, lead some of the giant helium balloons and help pass put candy to the crowd. If you are interested, contact the Montgomery County Recreation department at (240) 777-6821.

Since the Spring Street and Ellsworth Town Center garages will both be closed, parade-goers are encouraged to take the Metro. If you do decide to drive, plan carefully - northbound Georgia Avenue, from East-West Highway to Colesville Road will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. Parking will be available at the Wayne Avenue, Sligo avenue and Bonifant Street garages.

For more information, visit the Downtown Silver Spring website.

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