The Main Street Electrical Parade has won a prestigious industry award for its long and storied history as a classic theme park parade. The Main Street Electrical Parade was presented with the THEA Classic Award for representing a classic guest experience that has stood the test of time. Here’s the announcement from the Themed Entertainment Association:
The Main Street Electrical Parade, created by Master Robert Jani and Project Director Ron Miziker, made its debut on June 17th, 1972. Fifty years ago this year! Like something out of a bizarre but wonderful dream, the parade features floats and live performers, covered in over 60,000 hand-dipped colored lights and employs a first of its kind, synchronized soundtrack, triggered by radio control, along key zones on the Parade Route. This much adored parade originated in Disneyland California, but different versions have made long running appearances in California Adventure, Florida’s Magic Kingdom, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong Disneylands. Much to the thrill of The Disneyland Fans, it returns continually to its birthplace in California with both technical and theme updates, including its latest Finale float celebrating the Children around the World, featuring a selection of the most recent Disney Stars, like Mulan, Coco, Tiana, Moana and Raya.
Although there have been many attempts made, there has never been any Parade quite as Fantastical as this!
In development for less than a year, the original Main Street Electrical Parade debuted at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA, in June 1972. The parade has seen updates and additions over the past 50 years, making it relevant for contemporary audiences while retaining its classic charm.
An estimated 300 million guests have enjoyed the Main Street Electrical Parade over its lifetime.
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