Leesburg Holiday Parade
Ida Lee Park Recreation Center
60 Ida Lee Drive NW,
Leesburg VA 20176

Date: December 12, 2009
Time: 8:30AM-5:00PM

Greetings Critters!

I am excited to announce that Critters for a Cause has been invited to participate in the Leesburg Holiday Parade! The parade is an annual tradition that welcomes the holiday season to historic Leesburg, VA. It will be held on Saturday, December 12th to kick off the the town's Holiday Festival, which will feature games, music, entertainment, carriage rides, and so much more! More information about the event can be found here: http://www.leesburgva...

Due to the nature of this event, only a limited number of Critters and Handlers can attend. Attendance will be capped at 10 Critters and 8 Handlers. Please do not RSVP Yes if you are unsure if you are able to attend. If spots are available, please make every effort to attend this event - it is paramount for our group to be well represented as this is by far our largest event with the most public exposure!

The Critters for a Cause uniform shirt will be available soon for purchase! The uniform shirt is a high quality polo with the Critters for a Cause logo professionally embroidered on the front. All Critters and Handlers who are attending must purchase a uniform shirt for this event, regardless if you will be in costume or not. When RSVP'ing, please indicate your shirt size.

Schedule

8:00-8:30AM -- Arrival

This will be a very busy day and traffic will be heavy, so we encourage you to get to the park as early as possible. Everyone must arrive by 8:30AM so that we have time to get everything properly organized. A detailed map of the staging area and parade route can be found here: http://farm3.static.f....

8:30-9:30AM -- Ambulance Decoration

We have two HUGE logos to string up, along with garlands, lights, and other decorations, so we'll need everyone's help to get the Critter Mobile looking its best.

9:30-10:00AM -- Wardrobe Call

After we get done with the Critter Mobile, it'll be time to get ourselves dressed up! We'll then move to the staging area, where final instructions will be given before we get under way.

10:00AM-2:00PM -- The Parade!

The parade officially starts at 10:00AM, though depending on our placement we might start a little later. During the parade, Critters will be greeting the crowd, making quick stops for hugs and photos, and handing out Critters for a Cause buttons. Our Handlers will be responsible for making sure the Critters keep up with the parade, and will coordinate with the Handler in the Critter Mobile to allow Critters to switch in and out.

2:00-5:00PM -- The Festival!

After the parade finishes we'll have a chance to return to the park to pick up our belongings, but hopefully everyone will stay for the festival portion of the event, which promises to have a huge turnout! It's a great opportunity to mingle and work the crowd.

Important Guidelines

More specific instructions will be given the morning of the event, but the following things should be kept in mind:

- Critters are encouraged to deck out their suits with a Holiday theme by wearing Christmas hats, scarfs, bows, bells, and other accessories. Please note, however, that no can actually be dressed as Santa (kind of obvious, but it's an official rule, as the Parade has its own Official Santa).

- Mascot cases must be stored in people's cars, as we'll need to keep the inside of the Critter Mobile free for Critters to enter and exit.

- Critters and Handlers will need to purchase CFAC uniform shirts and wear them while out of costume in duty in the parade or festival. They must be worn with plain blue jeans for this event which are free from tears and frays. Please, no "Hot Topic" style pants. The shirts will be on sale soon and should cost between $20-$30.

- CFAC Buttons will be given to both Handlers and Critters to hand out - however, tossing items to the crowd is strictly forbidden. Any giveaways need to be handed directly to the person.

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With several thousand people expected to attend, this is by far the highest-profile event we've done. This is a chance for us to really shine as a group and show what we're all about. There will be a lot of media exposure, and it's likely that the Mayor and other VIPs will be there (which should make for some great photo ops).

I am truly looking forward to a wonderful event, if we play our cards right this could lead to some great exposure along with plenty of smiles, laughter and fun for all. If you have any questions about the event or need to arrange ride-sharing or wish to discuss anything regarding the event, please post a message into the Critters Only Discussion Forum.

Happy Holidays,

Oryx
Organizer
Critters for a Cause