On the weekend of Nov. 17, Norfolk was awash in holiday lights and cheering crowds lined the streets. The 34th Annual Grand Illumination Parade took place in Downtown Norfolk on Nov. 17, bringing thousands of spectators; one particular first-time appearance brightened the faces of parade goers: a white Robinson R22 helicopter.
“After years of watching this fabulous event from the sidelines, we thought it would be a great addition to showcase a helicopter in the parade,” said Dave Hynes, president and co-founder of Hampton Roads Helicopters.
Despite being first-time participants, the local helicopter company’s entry float came away with the vote as the best commercial float of the parade.
The white, two-seat Robinson helicopter was the crowning attraction of the Hampton Roads Helicopters (HRH) float, itself accompanied by clouds, Christmas lights, and highlighted by a New York skyline, replete with Statue of Liberty.
With the theme of this year’s parade being “The Lights Are Bright on Broadway,” the HRH float boldly stated the lights are brighter over Broadway.
The helicopter landed on the platform that morning, in the parking lot of Norfolk’s Harbor Park stadium, and on its trip through downtown streets it delighted children and adults alike. Smiling elves surrounded the R22 helicopter, and the elf pilot sitting in the cockpit–surrounded by wrapped presents–waved at the crowds along the winding, two mile parade route.
The parade will be broadcast on Virginia’s WVEC Cox Channel 13 on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. On air, the program will include bonus material with behind-the-scenes footage of participants, interviews, candid moments, and the energy of the crowd and downtown holiday atmosphere all packaged together for one jam-packed hour of holiday fun.
Founded in 2005, Hampton Roads Helicopters is a leading aviation services provider in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. Offering tours, instruction, helicopter sales and maintenance service, and support for special events, the company is a constant sight in the skies over Virginia and surrounding areas.
