2009 News Archive
Braves entertainers join Founders Day lineup
Parade to include Homer, Tomahawk Team, Heavy Hitters
11/19/2009
Homer the Brave
Baseball season is months away, but the Atlanta Braves will bring a little bit of Turner Field to Johns Creek when the franchise's entertainment team takes part in the city's Founders Day Parade on Dec. 5.
The team's official mascot, "Homer the Brave," known for his antics and charm with fans of all ages, heads up the group. Homer has been a staple of the Braves game-day entertainment.
He will be joined by the "Tomahawk Team," which provides a little southern hospitality to all the guests who enter the ballpark.
Setting the tempo for the Braves group's appearance will be the "Heavy Hitters," one of the most electrifying, exciting drumlines in the Southeast.
Tomahawk Team
The Braves entourage appearance, sponsored by Ciba Vision, is the newest addition to the 2009 Johns Creek Founders Day Parade. Headlining this year's celebration is the orange-and-white #20 Home Depot Toyota Camary, which has been tearing up the NASCAR circuit. Also new this year is the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Albany, Ga., one of five bands participating.
Since its creation in December 2007, the parade has grown to include more than 100 units and several thousand participants. Founders Day itself has expanded from a one-day event to a weeklong celebration of the city's Dec. 1, 2006 incorporation.
Heavy Hitters
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. and travels State Bridge Road from West Morton Road, ending at Ocee Elementary School at Kimball Bridge Road. Emmy Award-winning news anchor and Johns Creek resident Karyn Greer from WXIA 11Alive News will once again serve as emcee.
The day concludes with Santa at Newtown Park from 1 to 3 p.m., where children can visit with Old Saint Nick and pose for pictures (so parents, be sure to bring your cameras). Kids of all ages can check out the NASCAR racer and purchase souvenirs from the Home Depot Racing Team. There will be plenty of other kids' activities, more live entertainment and food available for purchase.
The schedule of Founders Day events begins with the lighting of holiday decorations at City Hall on Monday Nov. 30. From there events include holiday book readings by the Mayor and City Council members, a children's holiday decoration-making event at Johns Creek Arts Center, a combined holiday card signing for the troops and Toys for Tots drive at City Hall, and a "holiday workshop" hosted by Emory Johns Creek Hospital. (See the Founders Day page for a complete listing of events and more information.)