CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Novant Health has stepped forward as a sponsor for the Carrousel Parade just 18 days after organizers said the parade would be canceled due to lack of funding, according to a news release.
Novant Health has signed on as the parade's title sponsor for the next three years, guaranteeing the 65-year-old Thanksgiving Day tradition in Charlotte will continue, including this November.
In addition to Novant Health, with the help of new presenting sponsor Titan and other existing sponsors, the parade and scholarship program will go on.
"Just as the Thanksgiving Day parade is a Charlotte tradition, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center has been improving the health of Charlotte for over 100 years," said Jesse Cureton, executive vice president and chief consumer officer for Novant Health. "Novant Health is committed to the health of this community and part of a healthy community is ensuring community traditions continue for future generations."
The parade will now be produced by Charlotte Center City Partners. CCCP's chief creative officer, Robert Krumbine, will be executive producer. For the first time, the parade will be the result of a public/private partnership.
"The Carrousel board is very happy the Thanksgiving Day parade will be continuing in 2013 and beyond," said Jeff Collins, president of the board of Carolinas Carrousel Inc. "We are looking forward to working alongside Center City Partners to keep the spirit of parade and scholarship alive in Charlotte. We would also like to thank our new sponsors and existing sponsors for their support of the parade."
"The Carrousel Thanksgiving parade and scholarship program are treasured Charlotte traditions and I'm thrilled they will continue," said Charlotte Mayor Patsy Kinsey. "Thanks to all the members of our community who came together to make it possible."
A US News & World report included Charlotte's parade on its list of America's best Thanksgiving Day parades.
Democratic mayoral candidate James Mitchell, along with fellow Councilman David Howard and Michael Smith of Center City Partners, worked with local business leaders to save the Charlotte tradition over the past few weeks.
"In addition to creating new jobs and maintaining the position Charlotte has as one of the top cities in the country, we need to keep longstanding traditions such as the Carrousel Parade alive," said Mitchell, who chairs the Charlotte City Council economic development committee.
The Carrousel Scholarship program will continue this year too. Carrousel representatives will be contacting schools directly with details.
WSOC
