The hour-long special, co-hosted by ABC 7's Janet Davies, Alan Krashesky, Hosea Sanders and Jon Michael Hill, star of ABC's Detroit 1-8-7 and Illinois native, will be broadcast in stunning HD and will also be streamed live and on-demand at abc7chicago.com. This marks the 4th consecutive year the sparkling Lights Festival tradition will be broadcast to Chicago audiences on the city's most watched television station, ABC 7, and will also be seen by a national audience via syndication.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival special will kick off with more than 30 spectacular floats, Illinois and out-of-state marching bands and helium-filled balloons including a 35-foot Hubert the Lion and the new 'live wire' illuminated puppets presented by Shedd Aquarium.
The special will then spotlight the first official procession of the holiday season when the Grand Marshal, Mickey Mouse, escorted by the lovely Minnie, will illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along "The Magnificent Mile," one of the great avenues in the world. (Although Mickey Mouse has served as the Grand Marshal for the past 18 years, this if the first time Minnie Mouse will join him on the lead float.) Another loveable Disney duo, Phineas and Ferb, will also be part of the festivities.
Viewers will be treated to Disney's chart-topping band, Allstar Weekend; multi-platinum singer/songwriter, KT Tunstall, presented by 101.9 FM THE MIX; and an enchanting performance from the cast of "White Christmas." Rounding out the entertainment will be Wilson Phillips, Choo Choo Soul and American Idol's Siobhan Magnus.
Members of the ABC 7 News team--Ron Magers, Mark Giangreco, Tracy Butler, Ravi Baichwal, Theresa Gutierrez and Sarah Schulte--will be spreading good cheer as they ride atop the ABC 7 Chicago float during the procession.
The grand finale for the 20010 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will light up the sky (and children's hearts) with a dazzling fireworks display, presented by ABC 7, just as Santa makes his much anticipated arrival!
The 2010 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival special is produced by Christopher Bowen, ABC 7's executive producer of local programming.
