Nov. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Renowned Warner Brothers recording artist, John Rich, will serve as Parade Grand Marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade, hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas. The parade, which will benefit Piedmont's Share the Warmth Round Up program, kicks-off the Christmas season in downtown Nashville on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

"Piedmont Natural Gas is proud to continue this Nashville holiday tradition. This is the 57th straight year for the Nashville Christmas parade and the people of Nashville and all of Middle Tennessee have enjoyed and supported the parade with huge turnouts every year," said Tim Greenhouse, Regional Executive, Piedmont Natural Gas. "We are especially excited to have John Rich join us as Grand Marshal in support of the Share the Warmth Round Up program."

"It's an honor for me as a Nashvillian and as an artist to serve as Grand Marshal for Nashville's Christmas Parade. I'm also very proud to help support the Share the Warmth Round Up program. There is no more basic need than helping our neighbors stay warm this winter and by donating just a few cents a month, we can make that happen," said John Rich. "This parade will showcase the best that Music City has to offer and spotlight a great cause. I can't wait to kick it off! Can I get a YeeHaw!?"

Thousands of spectators and families from throughout the middle Tennessee region will converge on the city for the Nashville Christmas Parade. John Rich and Mayor Karl Dean will light the Nashville Christmas Tree at the Public Square, near the intersection of Second Avenue and Union Street.

"The Nashville Christmas Parade is a great tradition for downtown, and is one of my favorite events of the year," said Mayor Karl Dean. "With the city's tree lighting ceremony on the same night, the first Friday in December will mark the official start of the holiday season in Nashville. I can think of no better way to get into the spirit of the season than with music, lights, and floats -- not to mention Santa Claus himself -- all centered on the theme of giving to others. I hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate the holidays in Music City."

Following the tree lighting, the Parade will start at the intersection of Broadway and 6th Avenue in front of the Sommet Center and continue through Nashville's historic downtown, concluding at LP Field. Fireworks sponsored by the Nashville Downtown Partnership will kick off the parade.

Community sponsors for this year's parade include the Nashville Conventions & Visitor's Bureau and Wal-Mart.