Nov. 6, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Few brands can claim the inextricable link that Coca-Cola shares with one of the world’s most beloved figures, Santa Claus. For nearly 80 years, Coca-Cola and Santa have been refreshing families and sharing happiness during the holiday season and this year is no different. Santa and the world’s best known brand will spread the magic of the holidays as the presenting sponsor of “The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade/Live Positively Presented by Coca-Cola”. The festive parade will be held in Hollywood, Calif., on Sunday, November 29 at 6 p.m.

“Coca-Cola is proud to be the presenting sponsor of The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade, where Los Angeles residents come to share the joy of the holiday season,” said Luis Fernando Ramirez, vice president & general manager, West Region, Coca-Cola North America. “During these times of family togetherness we want to give people a reason to cheer, open some happiness and share the magic of the holidays. This iconic parade allows us to do just that and give back to a city that means a lot to Coca-Cola.”

As part of the parade, the Company will have six interactive floats. Each float will have a theme that embodies Coca-Cola’s ‘Live Positively’ philosophy, which guides the Company’s commitment to making positive contributions to its customers, consumers and communities.

Introducing the Theme of the Floats

• Active Living: For more than 80 years Coca-Cola has helped make Olympic dreams come true. This float represents Coca-Cola’s role as a champion of living a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular physical activity.
• Education: Coca-Cola has been a supporter of education for more than 100 years. Since 1986, Coca-Cola has contributed more than $50 million in scholarships to students across the U.S. This float illustrates Coca-Cola’s commitment to education through a message of hope and optimism.
• Environment: Coca-Cola invests in environmental initiatives focused on three areas — water stewardship, sustainable packaging, and energy management and climate protection. This float uses a family of Coca-Cola polar bears to symbolize the Company’s commitment to the environment.
• Family Togetherness: Happiness is the feeling that people get when they’re around family and friends. For 123 years Coca-Cola has been bringing people together and spreading happiness every time they open an ice-cold Coke. This float shows that all you need for fun is family, friends and a little Coca-Cola.
• Community: Coca-Cola, volunteerism and giving back to the community are at the core of everything it does.