Annual Tioga Downs Lighted Holiday Parade Set for Saturday

Tioga Downs Lighted Holiday Parade a one of a kind event for the Southern Tier and beyond

Nichols, N.Y. - December 16, 2015 - With less than two weeks before Christmas, officials at Tioga Downs are preparing for the second annual lighted holiday parade, which will be bigger and better than the inaugural parade last year.

The Tioga Downs lighted holiday parade, which is the only event of its kind on the East Coast, is scheduled to begin this Saturday, December 19th, at 8 p.m. and will include several floats and lighted fun for all to enjoy. Participants include local schools, the Tioga Central High School football team celebrating their first State championship, fire companies, troops, marching bands, mini wagons with horses, vintage cars and many more.

Given the exclusive, high profile nature of this event as well as the significant participation and attendance planned for this year, a special media VIP area will be set up where footage of the parade can be taken and interviews with the co-emcees, participants, attendees and Tioga Downs personnel can be given.

"We had such a great turnout at last year's event, and that led to an overwhelming response for something bigger and better this year," Tioga Downs President Tom Osiecki said. "We're pleased to announce several new additions to the parade that will make it even more engaging and fun for the entire family."

The parade will be co-emceed by WBNG meteorologist Howard Manges, WETM's Samantha LaRocca and long-time radio personality Tanya Wild. Wild will be perusing the crowds and float area during the parade with live commentary from the audience.

"Parade attendees won't be disappointed, we have a great lineup this year and we anticipate filling our grandstands as we did for last year's parade. This parade is free to attend and is a one of a kind, eye-opening experience for everyone, no matter your age," Osiecki added.

In addition to live harness racing, Tioga Downs offers video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic roulette. A variety of eateries are also part of the entertainment complex. Jeff Gural
owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Gural is in the process of preparing a new proposal to apply for the state's final full gaming license. Once awarded, Tioga Downs will expand its facility and workforce to accommodate live casino gaming. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.