THE PHILLY POPS ANNOUNCES NEW CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT WITH CHRISTMAS IN JULY AND A PARADE ON THE AVENUE OF THE ARTS

The Philly POPS, the largest standalone POPS orchestra in America

The Philly POPS launched a new benefit concert in 2014 where 2,000 free tickets to the opening night of their Christmas Spectacular concert series would be given to Philadelphia’s military and first responders. We needed a creative way to let people know about this benefit concert on the day tickets went on sale for the entire series in July. We created an incredible Christmas in July celebration in the heart of Center City – a Christmas Parade and party!

Working with the Philadelphia Police Department, Fire Department and Liberty USO, we held a parade starting from the Union League in Philadelphia (Broad and Sansom Streets) to The Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce Streets) where The Philly POPS Festival Brass performed. This was no ordinary parade. The Philadelphia Police Department closed streets and re-directed traffic, in addition to providing 10 motorcycles to lead the parade. The Philadelphia Fire Department drove two fire engines in the parade. Of course Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in one of the fire engines and Lieutenant General (retired) Ronald S. Coleman of the United States Marine Corp and the Philly POPS President Frank Giordano rode in the other. Leading the way were two soldiers carrying a Philly POPS Christmas Spectacular banner.

When the parade arrived at The Kimmel Center, there were military vehicles parked in front, mounted police, the Philly POPS Festival Brass Quintet played holiday music, Victorian Christmas Carolers entertained and a red carpet was placed outside to lead the way into the venue. Once inside, the Police and Fire departments and Liberty USO lined their personnel along the stage which was flanked by two gorgeous Christmas Trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus kicked off the press conference and Christmas music was sung by The Philly POPS Festival Chorus. There were speeches and, for snacks, candy canes, of course!

PR Results: It was a great success. The press conference ran on CBS, NBC, 6abc, WPHL, KYW Newsradio, CBSphilly.com and it was the Philadelphia Inquirer Photo of the Day on July 11, 2014. There were, perhaps more than ever, tickets sold for this “on-sale” ticket sales event.