The 28th Annual Chuy's Children Giving To Children Parade benefiting Operation Blue Santa took place on November 26, 2016 in Austin, Texas. The Blue Santa program was started by members of the Austin Police Department over 40 years ago as a way to provide assistance to Austin's less fortunate residents. Today Blue Santa is a non-profit comprised of the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin Water, Austin Energy, and the Texas National Guard. Their goal is to serve approximately 5,000 Austin families - 20,000 children - this year alone.
Leading off the parade was the Cowboy Chapter of Austin- Harley Owners and Kontinentals Car Club.
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| Cowboy Chapter of Austin- Harley Owners |
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| Kontinentals Car Club |
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| Kontinentals Car Club |
The colors were presented by the Travis County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard and were followed by the Austin Police Department Pipe & Drum Corps and Honor Guard.
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| Travis County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard |
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| Austin Police Department Pipe & Drum Corps and Honor Guard |
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| Elves with opening banner |
Glitter Princess Entertainment brought favorite Disney characters to life.
There were many modes of transportation represented in this parade including a stage coach from Wells Fargo and unique cars from the Central Texas Micronuts Car Club.
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| Wells Fargo |
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| Central Texas Micronuts Car Club |
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| Central Texas Micronuts Car Club |
Gigantic balloon characters are very popular with young and old alike. Here's the Kung Fu Panda balloon presented by Parkway Construction.
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| Kung Fu Panda balloon |
Many different organizations and events were represented in the parade.
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| Rodeo Austin float |
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| Dancer from Destino DanZZar |
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| Youth musical group Mi Trova |
Always a fan favorite in Austin, Causeplay Texas, brings Star Wars characters to life.
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| Causeplay Texas |
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| Causeplay Texas |
Local sports teams were represented in the parade including the Round Rock Express and the Austin Spurs.
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| Round Rock Express mascot Spike |
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| Austin Spurs mascot |
Super Grover balloon presented by Dykes Restaurant Supply.
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| Super Grover balloon |
Always a colorful energetic group, the Summit Lion-Dragon Dance Team.
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| Summit Lion-Dragon Dance Team |
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| Summit Lion-Dragon Dance Team |
Proudly serving our nation, the Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division Band based out of Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas.
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| Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division Band |
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| Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division Band |
The reason for the parade, Blue Santa presented by the Austin Police Department.
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| Blue Santa |
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| Blue Santa |
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| Blue Santa |
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| Kids riding the Blue Santa Float |
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| Austin Mayor Steve Adler |
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| Interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manley |
More floats.
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| 103.5 BOB-FM featuring Private Vandals |
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| FreeIt Data Solutions featuring Lamar Middle School Choir |
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| 93.3 KGSR presents Shady Grove Restaurant featuring Jackie Venson |
Coca Cola Polar Bear balloon
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| Coca Cola Polar Bear |
Something a little different in precision marching groups, the NW Hills Lawn Chair Brigade.
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| NW Hills Lawn Chair Brigade |
And now a little something from our sponsor, Chuy's Restaurant.
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| An Elf |
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| Chuy's favorite characters, Santa and Elvis. |
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| Elvis strikes a pose |
Smurfette balloon presented by Labatt Food Service
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| Smurfette balloon |
And the most important part of the parade; the toy drop, where children of all ages who have brought toys of those less fortunate, run to the nearest float or truck and deposit their treasures.
These kids were extra lucky to get to meet Curious George on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt float during the toy drop.
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| Curious George |
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| Curious George and toy drop |
The City of Austin Department of Aviation Float
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| Department of Aviation Float |
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| Department of Aviation Float |
Is it a car, a float, or a stuffed animal menagerie?
Dancers from D'Ette & Company Dancers
Youth groups from around Austin supporting Blue Santa.
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| Travis County Youth Show and Rodeo Float |
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| Young Women's Alliance |
All types of toys were given to the Blue Santa program on this day to help those less fortunate have a great Christmas holiday.
Some of the happy faces of the children watching the parade and helping their neighbors in Austin who need a little help this year.
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