WRAL-TV Hosts Raleigh’s Largest Ever Christmas Parade

The WRAL-TV Raleigh Christmas Parade delighted the young & old.

On Saturday, November 19, 2005, 23 marching bands, 38 floats and a myriad of other entries delighted a crowd of thousands that lined the streets of downtown Raleigh.

The 61st WRAL-TV Raleigh Christmas Parade celebrated several firsts this year. Lasting 2 ½ hours, it ran about half an hour longer than usual, and the parade also took a partial new route due to the convention center construction. However many time-honored traditions continued, Santa ended the parade and WRAL-TV anchored and broadcast the event.

Miss the Parade or Want to See it Again?
WRAL-TV will replay the parade broadcast three times, including a special holiday presentation on WRAL-TV at 6:30am on Christmas Day.

New also this year, the event was also simulcast on WRAL.com, FOX50 Digital, MIX 101.5 and affiliated radio stations across the state. And for the sixth year running, WRAL produced the event in High Definition.

Whether you attended the event in person, watched on TV or webcast, or missed the parade, the following photo gallery will put you in the center of the action.

This cowboy rides a mechanical bull mounted atop a tractor trailer truck…no easy feat!	WRAL-FM MIX 101.5 personalities wave to the crowds from their float.	Crowds lined the streets early for a good spot to watch.
Despite the chilly temperatures, smiles keep this parade going duo warm.	WRAL-TV’s Mark Roberts brings his usual antics to the sidelines commentating.	Almost 2 dozen bands kept the streets filled with music.
Flags whipped in the breeze as marching bands processed through the route.	The Man in Red welcomes the holiday season with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!”	Even Stormy gets festive, trading his Hurricanes jersey for a Santa suit.
The most eagerly awaited float of the day carried Santa Claus to end the parade.	These parade goers had the right idea in bringing a blanket. The air was a chilly 41 degrees during the parade.	This little fan got a great view from the best seat on the street.
“Go Heels!” This fan watches the parade before cheering her team on against Duke in the afternoon.	WRAL-FM’s Bill Jordan (left) joins his Bill & Sheri show producer Wayne Michaels on the MIX 101.5 float.	What band would be complete without a drumline?
WRAL’s Lynda Loveland (left) & Bill Leslie work their usual early morning shift, but in a colder location.	“Y.M.C.A” cheered the energetic crowd on the Y’s float.	Chinese dancers bring an international air to the parade.