Parade Grand Marshal – Bob McGrath

Bob McGrath is beginning his 40th season as “Bob” on Sesame Street and has bridged two generations of viewers as one of the original hosts. He has performed thousands of family pops, educational and holiday concerts with orchestras and bands for audiences who are now bringing their children or “Sesame Seeds” to see and hear their friend Bob. “I can’t believe I’m really meeting you” is a common response heard by Bob from not only kids, but their parents as well, who also grew up with the show. Bob’s recent creative music curriculum, “MUSIC FOR FUN” published by Warner Bros. Publication, /Alfred Music and co-authored with Marilyn Davidson, provides teachers with meaningful and light-hearted music classes.  Bob also has a recording for the holidays entitled “CHRISTMAS SING ALONG”, and is Bob’s first Christmas CD, which includes fifteen favorite holiday songs.  Bob will be riding a special Sesame Street float presented by Comcast.

Television Guest Host – Mark Curry

Mark G. Curry is an actor and entertainer known as the star of the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.  Besides his hit sitcom, Mark has appeared in numerous other television shows including, The Drew Carey Show, Martin, Living Single and ABC TGIF.  He has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and performed onstage as an opening act for numerous stars including Gladys Knight, and the Pointer Sisters.  Mark is very supportive of youth projects including teaching workshops at the East Oakland Youth Development Center and at numerous middle and high schools throughout the Bay Area.  Mark is a native of Oakland area.

Miss California – Jackie Geist

Jackie Geist was crowned Miss California at the state pageant in July of this year.  She will represent the State of California in the Miss America Pageant on January 29th.   A native Californian, Jackie is the recipient of the Teen Image Award; participant in Read Across America; accepted to the Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet; The Kirov Academy, Joffrey Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theater.  Triple preliminary award winner at Miss California.

Special Performance - The Raggs Kids Club Band

Raggs and the entire Raggs Kids Club Band returns to the America’s Children’s Parade.  This colorful canine group from the hit PBS television series will be giving a special performance during the parade broadcast that will certainly rock n’ roll the crowd.  Give a big pawsuuup to Raggs on parade day!