For Immediate Release:

Contact: Bill Doughty, APR, 678-577-8152

Shriners lead way in Johns Creek Founders Day parade Dec. 1
Harley escorts, miniature cars and clowns highlight city's first-ever event

JOHNS CREEK, Georgia—November 16, 2007—Shriners and parades go together like milk and cookies, and on Saturday, December 1, Johns Creek residents have a rare opportunity to enjoy some of this worldwide fraternal and philanthropic organization's top units during the City's Founders Day celebration.

Shriners usually organize parades, says Northside resident and Yaarab Shriner Roger Wise Jr. They do not often participate in those put on by others. However, the Yaarab Shriners of Atlanta are making an exception to take part in Johns Creek's first-ever parade.

Wise, who is a National Ambassador for the Shriners Hospitals of North America, will be joined in the parade by Johns Creek resident Gene Bracewell, Imperial Treasurer for Shriner Hospitals of North America.

Leading the way down State Bridge Road will be the Potentate's Escort. These Harley-Davidson motorcyclists traditionally provide a ceremonial escort to the chapter's top officer. For this day, however, they will ride alongside Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker.

Also participating in the 1.3-mile parade will be the Motor Corps. These miniature cars are perhaps the Shriners' most visible and memorable units. They will be joined by another crowd favorite, the Red Devil Clowns unit.

"The Shriners' presence will be a huge boost to this inaugural event and we are grateful for their participation," Mayor Mike Bodker said.

The Shriners will join the Chattahoochee High and Northview High marching bands and color guards, antique cars, Scout troops, community floats and other entries. Festivities begin at 9 am at the parade reviewing stand at the intersection of State Bridge and Jones Bridge roads. Emmy Award-winning 11Alive News anchor and Johns Creek resident Karyn Greer joins City leaders and the U.S. Marines as parade emcee. The parade proceeds at 10 am, heading west on State Bridge from West Morton Road.

That is just the start of a fun-filled, family-oriented celebration of the City's first birthday. From 1-3 pm, Santa Claus will be on hand at Newtown Park to meet children young and old. Be sure to bring your camera! There also will be performances by the Kids Gym USA Exhibition Tumbling Team, face painting and barbecue from the Atlanta Barbecue Club.

At 3:30 pm, the activities swing over to City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, where Johns Creek Beautification, a non-profit organization dedicated to the City's natural enhancement, presents a native white oak tree donated by Piedmont Landscape for planting on City Hall grounds. The day concludes with "Lights for Sight," a music and holiday light extravaganza benefiting Georgia Prevent Blindness, from 4 to 7:15 pm at City Hall, featuring performances by students of Johns Creek's award-winning schools.

The Holiday Lighting begins at City Hall followed by a short walk to Tech Park's annual lighting of West Johns Crossing, with more musical performances and a birthday cake at Emory-Johns Creek Hospital. Those attending the evening festivities are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the "Toys for Tots" campaign. The evening concludes with a Johns Creek birthday cake and the singing of "Happy Birthday."

The day's events are being made possible through a host of sponsors that include Ace Hardware of Alpharetta, CH2M HILL OMI, CibaVision, City of Johns Creek, Congregation Dor Tamid, Eagle Business Solutions, Expert Signs & Promotions, Emory-Johns Creek Hospital, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Haven Trust Bank, Johns Creek Herald, Johns Creek Owners Association, Johns Creek United Methodist Church, The Peachtreee Bank, Sawnee EMC, Starbucks, State Farm Insurance, Veranda Candle, Wendy Butler Legal Association, and Whole Foods.

PHOTO CREDIT: Yaarab Shrine Photographs Courtesy of photoandframes.net

About the City of Johns Creek
The City of Johns Creek, Georgia is located in the northeast corner of Fulton County. It was incorporated December 1, 2006, following a voter referendum July 18, 2006.

For more information, visit the City of Johns Creek Web site at www.JohnsCreekGA.gov.

Press Contact:
Bill Doughty, APR
Public Relations Manager
City of Johns Creek
P 678-577-8152

The City of Johns Creek believes all press releases were accurate as of their respective dates, but makes no representation as to accuracy on any other date and assumes no responsibility for updating information contained in any press release.