Norfolk hosts Grand Illumination

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - It's a sign the holidays are right around the corner. Nearly 100,000 people descended on downtown Norfolk Saturday night for the Grand Illumination Parade.

Copeland Mills School of the Arts and the Governor's School for the Arts performed a "Salute to Hollywood" dance routine and "kick line" prior to the step-off to the Parade.

At 6:50 p.m., dancers performed along Waterside Drive and in the 300 block of Granby Street. The crowd then helped with a synchronized countdown at 7 p.m. that signaled the illumination of more than 12 miles of lights outlining the Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth skylines.

"I love the Grand Illumination Parade," Raymond Dimaano said. "I love all the lights. I love the buildings. I'm just glad this year that it won't be as cold as last year so it will be fun."

List of award winners for the 26th Annual Grand Illumination Parade:

The Downtown Norfolk Council is proud to congratulate the following 2010 Grand Illumination Parade Award Winners:

Chairman’s Award

Presented to a non-float and non-balloon unit with best adherence to theme, originality and audience appeal.

Black & White Cabs

Unit Name: Now Showing: Wizard of Oz

Float - Best in Show

City of Norfolk

Float Name: Let the Show Begin

Float - Best Interpretation of This Year’s Theme “Lights, Camera, Action!”

E.V. Williams, Inc.

Float Name: An E.V. Williams Christmas

Float - Best Illumination

Roc Solid Foundation

Float Name: ROC-ing around the Christmas Tree

Best Commercial Float

Metro Machine Corporation

Float Name: Journey to Oz

Best Non-Commercial Float

Kiwanis Club of Ocean View Beach

Float Name: “The Polar Express”

1st Place High School Marching Band

Nansemond River Marching Warriors

2nd Place High School Marching Band

I.C. Norcom “Greyhound Marching Band”

3rd Place High School Marching Band

Kecoughtan High School Band

1st Place “Balloonatics” Winner

Wells Fargo Advisors carrying the 30 foot “Garfield”. The award recognizes the most enthusiastic Giant Helium Balloon Handlers. This is Wells Fargo Advisors third appearance in the Parade and second time that they are recipients of this award.

Best Walking Unit

Jazzercise is the recipient of this year’s award. The award recognizes the walking unit with the best symmetry, choreography, costuming and entertainment value.

Best Dressed Unit

Presented to a non-float, non-balloon, or non-walking unit.

Norfolk State Spartan Legion Marching Band under the direction of Dr. O’Neill Sanford. This award recognizes the organization with the best overall appearance and choreography of both movement and costumes with added credit being given for adherence to the parade’s theme.