EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY		CONTACT:	Marta Gronlund, 425-638-2333
November 8, 2007

Kickoff the Holiday Season at RedmondLights 2007

This year, the RedmondLights Kickoff will be more festive than ever. The event will be held on Sunday, December 2 at various locations around the city.

At Redmond City Hall, the main celebrations begin at 4pm with food, music and fun, continuing until 6pm. However, for those who arrive earlier, the Microsoft Orchestra will begin playing in the Senior Center at 3pm and a farewell reception for Mayor Rosemarie Ives will begin at 3:30 in the City Hall Lobby. Santa will arrive just before 5pm to help with the tree lighting.

“The Kickoff Celebration is a true highlight of the winter season for me,” says Mayor Rosemarie Ives, “Once more, I hope you and your families and friends will join us in the ninth year of this favorite Redmond tradition.”

Music and entertainment for the Holiday RiverWalk along the Sammamish River Trail will play from 5 to 6:30pm. As in years past, RedmondLights blinkers will be distributed at the entrance to the trail for all those who choose to walk to Redmond Town Center. RiverWalk entertainment includes mariachi, Indian, Peruvian, Eastern European and Croatian music; Native dancing; Scottish bagpipes; Caribbean steel drums and traditional holiday carols. Decorated kayaks will paddle the river in the annual Paddle Parade.

At Redmond Town Center, the festivities begin at 5pm continuing until 8pm. On the Main Stage One World Taiko, Japanese Taiko drums, will kickoff the evening at 5pm. At 6pm, Show Brazil, Brazilian music and dance, will perform and at 7:15pm, the marimba ensemble, Anzanga, will round out the evening’s diverse entertainment.

The Community Stage will host holiday music from community schools and organizations while Redmond faith organizations host a variety of children’s activities along Kid’s Row.

Parking is available at either Redmond Town Center or in the City Hall garage. Free shuttle service is available outside of Ruby’s Diner in the south parking lot of Redmond Town Center and at the Redmond Senior Center. Shuttles will run between 3:30 and 9pm.

The RedmondLights program provides a schedule of holiday events and services and information about local giving opportunities. Programs are available in the winter edition of Focus on Redmond magazine, online at the City website, in public buildings and Redmond Town Center Information Central. Information can also be heard on the RedmondLights events hotline, 425-556-2299.

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