Date:

November 21, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Ken Smith, Parking Manager, 441-7548

Deb Johnson, Parade Executive Director, 434-6901

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that parking will be free in downtown City-owned garages for the 23rd annual Star City Holiday Parade December 1. The parade is presented by Verizon Wireless and produced by Updowntowners, Inc. and the City of Lincoln.

City Parking Manager Ken Smith said free parking will be available to those entering garages marked with the green "P" logo from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 10 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. The parade begins at 10th and "O" streets and ends at 13th and "M" streets. An awards ceremony will begin about 12:45 p.m. in the Lancaster Ballroom at the Cornhusker Marriott.

Smith said the City Parking Office offers a variety of programs to make downtown parking easier, including "iPark," debit cards and online payments and accounts. More information, including a map of City-owned and private parking garages and lots is available at the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: parking), and www.parkitdowntown.org. The Parking Office can be reached at 441-6472.

More information on the Star City Parade is available on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov and at www.starcityholidayparade.org. The Parade office number is 434-6902.