Press
San Diego County Credit Union is Presenting Sponsor of America’s Largest Balloon Parade
SAN DIEGO, Calif., (Sept. 14. 2012) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, is returning as the presenting sponsor of the 22nd annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade. SDCCU has supported this event for the past 10 years.
Known as America’s largest balloon parade, the parade is set to step off at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27 in Downtown San Diego, near the County Administration Building on North Harbor Drive. The parade traditionally attracts more than 100,000 viewers who view more than 20 giant character balloon entries – more than any other parade in the country, including Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City — and approximately 10 marching bands along Harbor Drive’s scenic bay-front route.
The parade route will proceed south on North Harbor Drive and end at the corner of West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway near Seaport Village. Street-side viewing is free, though reserved grandstand seats are available. For ticket information, visit www.HolidayBowl.com.
Among the previous giant helium-filled character inflatables appearing at the parade: Jay Jay the Jet Plane, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Leonardo the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Chugginton. However, already confirmed for an appearance at the parade will be SDCCU’s 30-foot-high helium inflatable sailboat and a float featuring their mascot, a pelican named Captain Bill. In all, the balloons flying in the 2012 parade are expected to require more than 50,000 cubic feet of helium.
“We are proud to support this tremendously popular event that is enjoyed by the entire San Diego community at large,” said Teresa Halleck, San Diego County Credit Union® President & CEO. “This parade entertains folks all around the nation with all the beauty San Diego has to offer.”
As in previous years, the parade is scheduled to be televised locally on Channel 4, and broadcast nationally on the USA Network. USA Network has previously aired the parade telecast at various times following the actual parade day.
The parade is a Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Production.