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WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START THE WEEK TO BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH HOUSTONIANS THE JOY THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S FIXING TO SHARE.
YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE REAL PLEASANT PARTS OF BEING MAYOR IS A HOLIDAY SEASON MOST DAYS, COUNCIL MEMBER ALCORN, WHO'S WITH US TODAY.
MYSELF AND OUR TEAM MEMBERS WORK ON CHALLENGES TO FIX SOME OF THE NEGLECT FROM YEARS PAST AND TO PREPARE, CERTAINLY TO GO FORWARD.
AND THIS IS A BIG PART OF GOING FORWARD EACH TIME WE'RE HAVING EVENTS, TRADITIONAL EVENTS, FREEDOM OVER TEXAS.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN SO MANY FIREWORKS IN YOUR LIFE? AND NOW TODAY WE'RE GONNA HAVE ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT OUR HOLIDAY SEASON BEING THE BEST EVER.
AND FOR THAT, RICARDO, THANK YOU.
THINGS LIKE THIS DON'T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.
IT'S THROUGH PLANNING, COLLABORATION, SPONSORS LEADERSHIP, AND THANK EVERYONE THAT'S HERE THIS MORNING THAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TOO MANY TO NAME, BUT CERTAINLY NOT TOO MANY FOR ME TO HIGHLIGHT.
SOME OF OUR LONG TIME PARTNERS COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT H-E-B-H-P-D-H-H-E-H-E-B, WHICH IS AN EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU GO TO ONE OF THEIR STORES, OR OUR FULL-TIME PARTNERS ON OUR THANKSGIVING PARADE.
ALSO, THIS YEAR, WE'RE GOING TO ENJOY THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING.
RELIANT IS PARTNERING WITH US TO DECK THE HALLS, SPONSORED BY RELIANT.
THERE ARE MANY OTHER SPONSORS THAT MAKE MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS, BUT THIS YEAR WE'RE SO PROUD OF OUR COLLABORATION WITH DOWNTOWN HOUSTON.
PLUS IT OUGHT TO BE A NEWS STORY MEDIA BY ITSELF TO SEE WHAT THE TRANSFORMATION OF TRANQUILITY PARK LOOKS LIKE.
THE NEGLECT THAT IT HAS SUFFERED FOR YEARS.
THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CHRIS LARSON AND HIS OUTSTANDING TEAM.
YOU NEED TO VISIT IT, DRIVE BY IT AT NIGHT.
IT'S SOMETHING TO EXPERIENCE AND IT'LL BE INCORPORATED INTO OUR HOLIDAY SEASON.
SO THANK YOU TO OUR RODEO SUPPORTERS.
THANK YOU, DR. BOWMAN RODEO IS ALWAYS A PART OF HOUSTON'S TRADITIONS AND LEGACY, SO WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TODAY TO HAVE ON DISPLAY OUR UNITY AT THE THANKSGIVING PARADE.
WE URGE ALL HOUSTON RESIDENTS NO QUESTIONS ASKED, OUR RESIDENTS THAT ARE UNFORTUNATELY SCARED, SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY.
PLEASE JOIN US, YOU'LL BE PART OF OUR FAMILY TREE LIGHTING.
WE DON'T ASK QUESTIONS, WE OPEN OUR DOORS TO HOUSTONIANS AND WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTINUE TO MENTION THAT OUR FRIENDS AT STAND FOR EQUALITY, AS WE ALL DO.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IS THIS AND THE STATEMENT WE'RE MAKING THAT WE'RE GONNA HAVE THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON EVER.
AND AS I SAID, IT WOULDN'T BE DONE WITHOUT THE HARD WORK AND PLANNING OF THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN BEHIND ME, BUT CERTAINLY
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THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS, RICARDO MAGDA.ELENA CONSTANTLY IS WORKING TO DO THINGS BETTER, AND FOR THAT I'M VERY GRATEFUL.
IN FACT, IN CLOSING, PEOPLE ASK ME ROUTINELY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? IT'S THE TEAM WE HAVE IN PLACE ACROSS OUR DIRECTORSHIPS, PASSIONATE, HONEST, HARDWORKING PEOPLE.
SOME CAME OUTTA RETIREMENT AND IT'S REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
SO AS WE GO FORWARD, LET ME YIELD TO RICARDO TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING FORWARD DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
UH, AGAIN, MY NAME IS RICARDO MAGDALENO.
AND, UH, AGAIN, MY MISSION STATEMENT.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT IS TO SERVE.
AND MAYOR, IT'S BEEN A PRIDE AND HONOR TO WORK UNDER YOUR ADMINISTRATION AND UNDER, YOU KNOW, 26 YEARS WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
IT'S A PASSION AND UH, YOU KNOW, WE STRIVE FOR SUCCESS, BUT SUCCESS DOES NOT COME WITHOUT WORK.
SO, UH, EACH YEAR WE SPEND COUNTLESS MONTHS AND HOURS PLANNING EACH EVENT.
YOU KNOW, ASIDE FROM PERMITTING THOUSANDS OF EVENTS AROUND THE CITY OF HOUSTON, WE TAKE PRIDE IN, UH, DISCUSSING AND, AND PLANNING AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE NEXT NEXT EVENT'S GONNA BE AND WHO WE'RE GONNA FEATURE.
AND THANKS TO THE SPONSORS, LIKE THE MAYOR SAID, AND ALSO OUR, OUR PARTNERS WITH THE CITY DEPARTMENTS, WE JUST CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU.
IT'S FUN, WE ENJOY IT, WE HAVE A GOOD TIME, AND, UH, WE WANNA BRING OUT WHAT'S BEST FOR THE CITY AND BECAUSE WE DO IT FOR THE CITY.
SO, UM, BUT THAT, I WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND KICK OFF BECAUSE EVERYBODY'S EAGER TO FIND OUT WHO'S GONNA BE FEATURED FOR THANKSGIVING AND WHO ARE WE HAVING FOR DECK THE HALL.
SO I'LL HELP AS YOUR MODERATOR, WHO YOU'RE, UH, MC AND OUR WONDERFUL GUEST BEHIND ME.
UH, BUT FIRST I DO WANNA EMPHASIZE AGAIN ON THE SPONSORS.
YOU KNOW, WE CANNOT DO THESE EVENTS WITHOUT SPONSORS.
WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF NEW PARTNERS THAT WE CAME UP THIS YEAR.
SO, UH, HEB IS ALWAYS, IT'S, IT'S A PLEASURE, RELIANCE MENTION, MAYOR MENTIONED, UH, WE GOT JOHN MOORE, BP AMERICA, WHICH IS GREAT ACQUISITION FOR THESE EVENTS, AND WE HOPE TO HAVE A FANTASTIC LONG RELATIONSHIP.
AMAZON THOMAS J. HENRY, AGAIN, THOMAS J. HENRY IS A GREAT PARTNER FOR US FOR, UH, JULY 4TH.
AND WE'RE JUST SO GLAD THAT THEY CAME ON FOR THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE AND THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW RODEO.
CHRIS, WHERE YOU AT? I'M RIGHT HERE.
HAT THE GUY, THE GUY WITH THE HAT.
PERSONALLY, I'M IN TWO COMMITTEES, 15 YEARS HAVING A GREAT TIME.
THEY GOT SOME OF THE BEST VOLUNTEERS.
GREAT, GREAT ORGANIZATION, FANTASTIC TO WORK WITH.
SO WITH THAT, I KNOW WE HAVE A WHOLE BUNCH MORE SPONSORS COMING UP AND I'LL BE, UH, DETAILING ON EVERY, EVERYBODY AS WE GO.
I WANNA GO AHEAD AND INTRODUCE MY BEST FRIEND HERE, LISA HEALTHMAN WITH THE H WITH HEB.
THIS RELATIONSHIP, IT'S NOT RELATIONSHIP WITH ANYBODY HERE.
THOSE THAT ARE NEW, IT'S GONNA BE FAMILY.
WE ARE ENJOYING SUCH A TREMENDOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF SPECIAL EVENTS.
AND THANK YOU MAYOR WHITMEYER.
IT IS AN HONOR TO SERVE AND WORK WITH Y'ALL TOO.
WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD TO ONCE AGAIN BE THE TITLE SPONSOR OF THIS WONDERFUL HOUSTON TRADITION.
THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND WHETHER IT'S AT HOME, AT YOUR TABLE, YOU KNOW, ENJOYING A GREAT MEAL, OR IT'S THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT COME OUT TOGETHER.
THIS PARADE, IT'S EXACTLY WHAT COMMUNITY MEANS TO HOUSTON, TEXAS.
AND AS THE MAYOR SAID, WE WELCOME EVERYONE AND WE HOPE TO JUST SEE THE BEAUTIFUL DIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AT THIS PARADE.
THERE'S SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I MEAN, WE SHOULD GIVE EACH OTHER A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR MAKING ALL THAT HAPPEN.
WE'RE GONNA HAVE FIVE MARCHING BANDS, LIVE PERFORMANCES, COLORFUL FLOATS, AND GIANT BALLOONS.
AND TODAY I GET THE HONOR, I THINK, AND PLEASE EXCUSE ALL THE PAST GRAND MARSHALLS FOR THIS STATEMENT.
I GET TO ANNOUNCE THE BEST GRAND MARSHALL THAT THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE HAS EVER SEEN.
CAN YOU TELL THAT I LIKE, CAN BARELY STAND MAKING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT? WHEN RICARDO TOLD ME, I THINK I WAS JUMPING OUT OF MY SEAT WHEREVER I WAS, RIGHT? IT IS INCREDIBLE.
OUR 2026 GRAND MARSHALL OF THE HEV THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE IS SOMEONE THAT WAS HOUSTON RAISED, BUT WENT ON TO INTERNATIONAL
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STARDOM THAT IS NOT EXAGGERATION BEFORE GOING TO THESE STAGES AROUND THE WORLD.SHE ATTENDED SIC HIGH SCHOOL AND PLAYED THE FLUTE WITH HER MIGHTY RAM MARCHING BAND.
AND THIS THANKSGIVING COMES FULL CIRCLE BECAUSE THE ELSIK BAND WILL BE BY HER SIDE TO LAUNCH THIS PARADE THROUGH DOWNTOWN.
AND WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE LIZZO AS THE 2026 GRAND MARSHALL.
IT IS SO EXCITING, AND THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAKE THAT MOMENT TO GIVE YOU MY SHEER JOY AND I HOPE YOU'LL ALL JOIN US FROM THERE.
I APPRECIATE YOU COUNCIL BUSINESS, MONICA.
SO I HOPE EVERYBODY'S EXCITED.
LIZZO WAS NOT EASY, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? SHE LOVES THE IDEA.
IT WASN'T, UH, I JUST TELL YOU IT'S A LOT OF WORK, BUT SHE'S, IT'S
I'M MAKING IT SOUND LIKE IT WASN'T EASY.
AND, AND YOU KNOW WHAT? SHE JUMPED TO THE OCCASION.
I THINK YOU KNOW IT, IT'S ONE OF THE BEST, IT'S BEST AND NOT TO, UH, TALK, YOU KNOW, ANY LESS OF PAST GRAND MARSHALS.
BUT NEXT I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU, UH, YOU KNOW, DR.
CHRIS BOLDMAN, PRESIDENT, CEO OF HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO IS AGAIN, CHRIS, IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM DURING THE RODEO.
IT'S A LOT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING.
MAYOR, JUST MONTHS WORTH OF CONVERSATIONS.
YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE VERY PASSIONATE.
YOUR VICE CHAIRMAN ARE VERY PASSIONATE AND I LOVE TALKING TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF 'EM BECAUSE THEY EXPEL THAT, THAT JOY, WHAT IT IS TO BE WITH THE RODEO.
WE HAD, HOW WE HAD LIZZO LAST YEAR.
AND SO SHE LOVES HOUSTON, THAT'S FOR SURE.
SO WHAT AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MORNING.
THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO HAS BEEN A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE HEB THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE FOR 10 YEARS.
AND WE ARE THANKFUL TO PLAY A ROLE IN A TRADITION THAT BRINGS HOUSTON TOGETHER.
WE KNOW THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT FAMILY MEMORIES AND TRADITION PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS.
IT'S A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WHO MAKE THOSE TRADITIONS POSSIBLE.
THOSE SAME VALUES HAVE SHAPED THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOWN RODEO FOR 95 YEARS.
AND WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR OUR 95TH YEAR CELEBRATION ON MARCH 2ND THROUGH THE 21ST.
AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO A MILESTONE RODEO SEASON, WE ARE SUPER THANKFUL FOR THE GENERATIONS OF HOUSTONIANS VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE HELPED BUILD OUR LEGACY ROOTED IN AGRICULTURE, WESTERN HERITAGE, COMMUNITY SUPPORT OF FOR TEXAS YOUTH, WHILE CONTINUING TO BUILD ON THAT TRADITION IN SEPTEMBER.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, WE BROKE GROUND ON THE FARM, OUR NEW 1 MILLION SQUARE FOOT AGRICULTURAL COMPLEX ALONG 2 88 HIGHWAY ALONG HIGHWAY 2 88.
AND WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE THE, UH, MR. MAYOR WAS WITH US THAT DAY.
THANK YOU MAYOR WITTMEYER FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
THIS NEW SPACE WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND AND ALLOW THE ORGANIZATION TO STRENGTHEN ITS YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING AND IMPACT.
MORE THAN 36,000 VOLUNTEERS HELP CARRY OUT THE TRADITIONS EACH AND EVERY SINGLE YEAR.
JUST LIKE THIS PARADE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, OUR ORGANIZATION SUCCEEDS BECAUSE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY AND OUR AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS TEXAS.
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND ESPECIALLY MAYOR WHITMEYER, OUR VOLUNTEERS AND THE COMMUNITY FOR CONTINUING TO BE A PART OF OUR STORY AND HELPING US BUILD WHAT'S TO COME.
I TOO GET TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT AS WE COUNT DOWN TO THE PARADE.
WE'RE PROUD TO WELCOME COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST RAY LIN, WHO WILL PERFORM ON THE RODEO FLIGHT FLOAT THIS YEAR.
HER PERFORMANCE WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO A RODEO FRIEND DOLLY PARTON, WHO AGAIN WAS BOTH THE FRIEND AND MENTOR TO RAY LYNN AND HAS HELD A SPECIAL PLACE IN RODEO HOUSTON SINCE SHE TOOK THE STAGE IN 1978.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
THANKS AGAIN TO THE MAYOR AND TO THE CITY.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT DAY ON THANKSGIVING.
SO NOW I'M GONNA INTRODUCE, UH, WE'RE GONNA SWITCH GEARS A LITTLE BIT SO WE HAVE ANOTHER EVENT WE'RE GONNA BE ANNOUNCING, OF COURSE.
ZACH LAUDER WITH, UH, VICE PRESIDENT OF RELIANT, UH, LOVE THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RELIANT.
WE CAN'T DO THE EVENT WITHOUT YOU.
AS WE MENTIONED EARLIER, WE'VE BEEN STEPPING IT UP EVERY YEAR.
WE'VE CHANGED THE FORMAT, WE'VE CHANGED THE CONCEPT, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THE FEELING AND THE FAMILY SENSATION FOR EVERYBODY WHO COMES OUT THERE IS THERE.
SO MAYOR, WE'RE GONNA HAVE A LOT OF FIREWORKS THIS YEAR.
AND, AND SOME SPECIAL SURPRISES, BUT, YOU KNOW, I CAN'T TELL YOU THAT ONE.
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THANK YOU RICARDO AND MAYOR MEYER.
UH, WE ARE REALLY EXCITED TO BE HERE TODAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, UH, YEAR AFTER YEAR.
RELIANT LOVES COMING TOGETHER WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THE MAYOR'S OFFICE TO MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON EVEN BRIGHTER FOR THE 21ST YEAR IN A ROW, RELIANT IS THRILLED TO PRESENT DECK THE HALL, THE MAYOR'S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CONCERT.
WHILE MOST PEOPLE KNOW RELIANT AS THE ELECTRICITY PROVIDER FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.
WE'RE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY AND LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAYS RIGHT HERE IN OUR HOMETOWN OF HOUSTON.
RETURNING THIS YEAR WILL BE FAN FAVORITE, TWINKLING, RELIANT SANTA HATS.
WE'RE ALSO PROVIDING FREE DIGITAL PHOTOS BEFORE THE CONCERT WITH THE ICONIC RELIANT ORNAMENT.
AND OUR MASCOT HUGO, WHO I I KNOW IS HERE WITH US THIS MORNING, THANK HUGO.
ALL RIGHT, HUGO BRINGS THE ENERGY FOR SURE.
CITY HALL WILL BE DECKED OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH A 52 FOOT WHITE FUR TREE FROM OREGON DECORATED WITH 4,000 ORNAMENTS AND NEARLY 100,000 ENERGY EFFICIENT LED LIGHTS.
AND IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH TO GET YOU INTO THE HOLIDAY CHEER, I'M THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR AWARD-WINNING ENTERTAINMENT FOR 2026.
IT'S HARD TO FOLLOW THE ENERGY THAT HEB BROUGHT, BUT I'M GONNA DO MY BEST.
THAT'S A GOOD, IT'S A FAVORITE.
IN VOGUE HAS BEEN DEFINING, UH, A DEFINING FORCE IN R AND B FOR DECADES, AND WE'RE THRILLED TO WELCOME MISS ACCLAIM GROUP TO THE STAGE AS THIS YEAR'S HEADLINER, GRAMMY NOMINATED PLATINUM SELLING SINGER AND SONGWRITER, MAJOR KNOWN AS THE HOPE DEALER, WILL ALSO PERFORM.
HE IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS LOVE ANTHEM.
WHY I LOVE YOU AND ROUNDING OUT THE LINEUP IS JESSICA SANCHEZ, THE AMERICAN IDOL RUNNER UP AND SEASON 20 WINNER OF AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, WHO WILL BRING HER POWERFUL VOICE AND BLEND OF POP RB AND SOUL TO THE CELEBRATION.
AND AS ALWAYS, WE'LL ALSO HAVE THE EARNEST WALKER AND THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY BAND PLAYING THE SEASON'S HITS, THE ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES DON'T STOP THERE.
WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE WINTER WONDERLAND WITH AN EXPANDED FOOTPRINT FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING A SNOW LUGE PHOTOS WITH SANTA CAROLERS, COMPLIMENTARY HOT CHOCOLATE AND MORE, AND OF COURSE, WELL IN THE EVENING WITH A SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY.
ALL RIGHT, WE'RE EXCITED TO WELCOME THE COMMUNITY TO THESE FESTIVITIES, THE INCREDIBLE TALENT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THE HUNDRED SEVENTH YEAR OF THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRADITION.
AND WE HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE RIGHT BACK HERE AT CITY HALL ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH.
NOW I'D LIKE TO, UH, INVITE YOU TO THE PODIUM, A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, WHICH WE EXPECT TO HAVE A VERY LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH.
ROSE, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER OF BP AMERICA.
ON BEHALF OF BP, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY.
AS WE CELEBRATE THE START OF ANOTHER HOLIDAY SEASON IN HOUSTON, WE ARE HONORED TO JOIN THE MAYOR'S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AS A NEW ANCHOR SPONSOR, AND AS A, AS A SPONSOR OF THE FIREWORKS FINALE FOR BP, HOUSTON IS MUCH MORE THAN A PLACE WHERE WE DO BUSINESS.
OUR US HEADQUARTERS IS BASED HERE, AND THOUSANDS OF BP EMPLOYEES LIVE, WORK, AND RAISE THEIR FAMILIES ACROSS, ACROSS THE GREATER HOUSTON REGION.
OUR PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE TO HOUSTON'S SUCCESS, NOT ONLY THROUGH THEIR WORK, BUT THROUGH THEIR SERVICE IN SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND CIVIC INITIATIVES.
AS A COMPANY WITH DEEP ROOTS IN HOUSTON, WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN TRADITIONS THAT UNITE OUR CITY AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTION, CELEBRATION, AND SHARED EXPERIENCES.
THE MAYOR'S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING IS ONE OF HOUSTON'S MOST BELOVED TRADITIONS BECAUSE IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER FROM EVERY CORNER OF OUR CITY TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY THAT MAKES HOUSTON SO SPECIAL.
THAT IS WHY WE ARE ESPECIALLY EXCITED TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING BP EMPLOYEES, THEIR FAMILIES, COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND NEIGHBORS DOWNTOWN TO CELEBRATE ALONGSIDE THOUSANDS OF HOUSTONIANS.
WE'RE GRATEFUL TO MAYOR WHITMEYER, THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF SPECIAL EVENTS, AND EVERYONE INVOLVED IN MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE.
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ALLOWING BP TO PLAY A ROLE IN CONTINUING A TRADITION THAT HAS BROUGHT JOY TO GENERATIONS OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON FAMILIES.WE CAN'T WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU ALL AND HELP LIGHT UP HOUSTON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
NOW, I'D LIKE TO INVITE TO THE PODIUM A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE.
WE BOTH COLLABORATE IN DOWNTOWN PLANNINGS.
WE TRY TO MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR EVERYBODY, BUT YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES WE DON'T ALWAYS AGREE, BUT NO
AND BELIEVE ME OR NOT, I I'M EXTREMELY HONORED.
AND, AND JUST TO CREATE THAT FRIENDSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP WITH DOWNTOWN HOUSTON PLUS CHRIS LARSON, IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU AND, AND YOUR STAFF.
IT'S A GOOD THING WE ALL AGREE ON, ON FIREWORKS AND LIZZO, RIGHT? SO, AND ENVOGUE.
UH, GOOD MORNING EVERYONE, AND, UH, THANK YOU MAYOR WHITMEYER AND TO OUR PARTNERS AT HOUSTON.
FIRST FOR BRINGING US TOGETHER AGAIN TO KICK OFF ANOTHER SEASON OF DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MAGIC AT DOWNTOWN HOUSTON.
PLUS, WE'RE PROUD TO MAKE CITY LIGHTS A TRULY CONNECTED CELEBRATION, LINKING BELOVED EXPERIENCES IN OUR NORTH AND SOUTH POLES OF DOWNTOWN WITH FESTIVE CORRIDORS THAT INVITE EVERYONE TO EXPLORE AND MAKE NEW MEMORIES AT THE NORTH POLE.
OUR THEATER DISTRICT SHINES WITH HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES, DAZZLING LIGHTS AND MERRY MOMENTS AT PLACES LIKE LYNN WYATT SQUARE AND MARKET SQUARE PARK DOWN AT THE SOUTH POLE.
THE CELEBRATION CENTERS AROUND DISCOVERY GREENS, ICONIC ICE RINK SPARKLING ACTIVATIONS AT AVENUE PLAZA.
AND THE RETURN OF THE HOUSTON ASTROS IS IMMERSIVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EXPERIENCE LIGHT UP THE PARK.
TOGETHER THEY CREATE A DOWNTOWN WIDE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE WITH SOMETHING SWEET FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
NOW, AS YOU MOVE THROUGH DOWNTOWN, YOU'LL DISCOVER EVERYTHING FROM GINGERBREAD CHARACTERS AND PEPPERMINT ARCHES TO AN OVERSIZED LOLLIPOP TREE AND MORE CHEERFUL TOUCHES WELCOMING YOU INTO OUR FAVORITE SPACES, THE SWEET SPOT SPOTS ALONG TEXAS AVENUE, MCKINNEY STREET AND MAIN STREET PROMENADE TURN STROLLS BETWEEN DESTINATIONS INTO A PART OF THE FUN WITH OVERSIZED CANDY THEMED DISPLAYS, TWINKLING LIGHTS, PHOTO OPS, AND SWEET SURPRISES.
ALONG THE WAY, WE'RE ALSO BRINGING PLENTY OF HOLIDAY CHEER TO OUR DOWNTOWN PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES.
IN THE HEART OF THE THEATER DISTRICT, LYNN WYATT SQUARE WILL SHINE WITH A 42 FOOT CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE, FEATURING THOUSANDS OF TWINKLING LIGHTS AND SUPPORTING KIDS' MEALS.
A LOCAL NONPROFIT WORKING TO END CHILDHOOD HUNGER OVER AT MARKET SQUARE PARK EXPECT FESTIVE DUELING PIANO SING-ALONGS, HOLIDAY MARKETS, A A SCREENING OF ELF AND A SPECIAL UGLY SWEATER EDITION OF OUR EVER POPULAR BLANKET BINGO SERIES ALONG THE MAIN STREET PROMENADE HOLIDAY CHEER CONTINUES WITH SEASONAL, LUNCHTIME AND HAPPY HOUR ACTIVATIONS, FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS, AND A GOOD TIMES ON MAINE HOLIDAY BLOCK PARTY ON DECEMBER 19TH DOWN AT TREMBLEY PARK FAMILIES AND THEIR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS CAN ENJOY BARK THE HALLS, FEATURING PHOTOS WITH SANTA LIVE MUSIC AND PUP FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES, ALONG WITH A HOLIDAY MOVIE UNDER THE STARS.
NOW, FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A CHALLENGE, THERE IS STILL MORE.
WE ARE AGAIN, FEATURING OUR DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT, WHICH INVITES ADVENTURERS TO EXPLORE DOWNTOWN, SOLVE CLUES, AND COMPETE FOR A SPECIAL DOWNTOWN HOUSTON PRIZE.
AND DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES ARE GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY FUN THROUGH OUR STOREFRONT DECOR CONTEST, TRANSFORMING FAMILIAR SHOPS AND BUSINESSES INTO CHEERFUL HOLIDAY DISPLAYS, GIVING EVERYONE ANOTHER REASON TO EXPLORE.
TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS AT THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND HOUSTON, FIRST CITY LIGHTS DOWNTOWN.
HOLIDAY MAGIC TURNS DOWNTOWN INTO ONE BIG BOX OF HOLIDAY TREATS EVERY STOP, A NEW FLAVOR, EVERY MOMENT, A LITTLE BRIGHTER AND EVERY VISIT.
A REMINDER OF JUST HOW SWEET THE SEASON IS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON.
I FEEL LIKE CURLING UP WITH A BLANKET IN FRONT OF A FIREPLACE.
UH, SO TO CLOSE OUT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THERE'S A COUPLE OF FOLKS THAT I WANT TO, UH, GIVE THANKS TO.
OF COURSE, I'VE BEEN MENTIONING ABOUT SPONSORS THAT ARE BEHIND ME, BUT ALSO CONTRACTORS THAT WORK WITH US YEAR AFTER YEAR THAT DEDICATE THEIR TIME, THEIR STAFF, THEIR EFFORTS.
UH, ONE, ONE IMPORTANT THING THAT WE DID NOT MENTION, AND IT IS BIG NEWS FOR US BECAUSE AFTER MANY YEARS, WE KNOW THAT THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE IS PRODUCED AND AND TELEVISED BY CHANNEL 13 THIS YEAR, OUR HOLIDAY DECK, THE HALL IS TELEVISED AND IT'S GONNA BE PRODUCED BY CHANNEL 39 WB, OUR FRIENDS BERTO,
[00:25:01]
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JUMPING IN.IT'S BEEN MANY, MANY YEARS SINCE THE HOLIDAY SHOW HAS BEEN ON TV.
IT'S ALWAYS BEEN RECORDED, BUT YOU KNOW, WE WORKED REALLY HARD.
WE HAVE A GREAT, UH, STAFF MAYOR THAT, UH, WORKED VERY HARD FOR MANY MONTHS TRYING TO GET THAT DEAL DOWN AND BERTO.
ELIZABETH, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AND YOUR TEAM.
UH, AGAIN, SO THANKING SPONSORS, HEB RELIANT RODEO, UH, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW RODEO, THOMAS J. HENRY LAW FIRM.
AGAIN, JOHN MOORE, BP AMERICA, AMAZON, CIGNA, AMEX INSURANCE CASE BJ.
WHERE ARE THEY AT OVER THERE? HI, UH, CAT'S COFFEE.
AND AGAIN, AFTER THIS, PLEASE GO GET YOURSELF A CUP OF ESPRESSO COFFEE.
UH, AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO A LONG RELATIONSHIP OF MANY OTHER EVENTS, UH, THIS YEAR.
NEW CULINARY LENO OVER THERE, UH, WITH SOME NICE PASTRIES.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE, UH, YOU GUYS, UH, BEING A PART OF THE EVENTS, UH, AND, UH, THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.
NOW THERE'S JUST NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF OTHER FOLKS THAT ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS AND, AND YOU KNOW, IT'S THANKS TO THEIR SPONSORSHIP AND COLLABORATION, IT MAKES IT WORK.
AGAIN, CITY OF HOUSTON, ALL THE CITY DEPARTMENTS, I SEE YOU OUT THERE.
IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU.
THE LIBRARY THIS YEAR, THE BARBARA BUSH PLAZA, AS ALWAYS, LAST YEAR WE COORDINATED THIS, JUST AN AMAZING AREA FOR CHILDREN AND WE'RE, LIKE I SAID EARLIER, WE'RE EXPANDING AND, AND IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU, SANDY, AND YOUR TEAM.
SO AGAIN, CITY OF HOUSTON, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DEPARTMENTS.
UH, CONTRACTORS, EMPLOYEES, THE STAFF OF THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF SPECIAL EVENTS WITHOUT YOU GUYS, THANK YOU.
IT'S ALWAYS, SOMETIMES I SEE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF OUR COURTS WILL BE VERY COMPASSIONATE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
CANNOT PROMISE MUNICIPAL COURT.
SHE IS ALWAYS A GREAT HELP THE JUDGE.
UH, WE CAN'T PROMISE THAT, YOU KNOW, WAIVING YOUR TICKET, BUT, YOU KNOW, READ THE SIGNS.
AND THEN, UH, AGAIN, SPONSORS RADIO ONE OVER HERE.
GUYS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU GUYS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
UH, IF I MISSED ANYBODY, I REALLY APOLOGIZE.
UH, UH, OTHER THAN THAT, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY AGAIN AND, AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AND HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAYS.