IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wonderama, Times Square Alliance, and One Times Square Unveil Vision for the 2024 Halloween Parade in Times Square
Date: October 31st, 2023
Time: 11:00AM
Location: TSQ Live Stage on Broadway @ 46th
New York, NY — October 31, 2023 — Today, Charles Armstrong, Executive Producer of Wonderama joins forces with the Times Square Alliance and Executive, One Times Square Sherri White, alongside Commissioner Ed Mermelstein from the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, to unveil an ambitious vision for the 2024 Wonderama Times Square Halloween Parade. Ernie Anastos, New York news legend and Wonderama’s own will make this announcement alongside an esteemed line-up of hosts and musical performers, including,
- 2023 American Idol Finalist & International Teen Music Sensation – “Stefan Benz”
- Industry Socialite and Pop Music Star – “Lika O”
- Boston Singer-Songwriter – ”Emilia Vaughn”
- Slovakian Heiress and Popstar – “Sarah Caroline”
- Teen Singer-Songwriter – “Bella Delle”
- iHeartRadio Los Angeles DJ – “DJ TyeHollywood”
The Vision: A New York City Spectacle
The partnership aims to establish a parade that encapsulates the magic and unity of New York City, creating a path from Columbus Circle to One Times Square. This event is envisioned to be a city-wide celebration, embracing families, communities, and the vibrant spirit of New York.
“The Times Square Alliance is proud to work with Wonderama to host this exciting Halloween spectacular at the Crossroads of the World,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “Times Square continues to be a site of celebration for New York City, and we are eager to welcome kids and families at the culmination of next year’s grand parade.”
Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for International Affairs for the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York, stated, “As the home to the largest diplomatic community and celebrated as the most diverse city in the world, New York City epitomizes unity in diversity. This ambitious vision for the 2024 Wonderama Times Square Halloween Parade resonates with our city’s spirit of inclusivity, global collaboration, and boundless creativity. Together, we not only celebrate traditions but create new ones that reflect our city’s rich tapestry of cultures. Here’s to an event that will undoubtedly become a hallmark of New York’s vibrant legacy!”
And while you celebrate with us in the “Square”, check out the amazing “Dia De Dos Muertos” (Day Of The Dead) display of statues coordinated by the New York City Department of Transportation, the
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Times Square Arts. You will be able to see the giant “El Charro Negro de Altixco” created by artist Gildardo Lozada. (It is rumored that you can ask this “man in black” for a favor, but he may take your soul in return!)
October 31st Press Event: A Glimpse of the Grandeur
This press event serves as a teaser to the grand parade, showcasing the potential and grandiosity of next year’s celebration. The event will highlight the Mayor’s Office For International Affairs, New York City’s “Dia De Dos Muertos” art exhibit in Times Square, as One Times Square transforms its iconic digital sign into the Wonderama Halloween Wonderwall.
A Year-long Celebration of Times Square:
Leading up to the grand parade in 2024, the trio of Wonderama, Times Square Alliance, and One Times Square will curate 52 weeks of unparalleled family events and entertainment, spotlighting Times Square as the heart of the city and the crossroads of the world. This continuous celebration ensures that the energy and enthusiasm of the city are felt throughout the year.
Goal: A “New” New York Tradition
This collaboration promises to birth a new tradition in New York, drawing families from all around the globe. The partnership eagerly anticipates the involvement of One Times Square in this year’s press event and looks forward to hosting the festivities for the Wonderama Times Square Halloween Parade in 2024.
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO LINK: https://vimeo.com/878706947?share=copy
About Wonderama: Wonderama is a cross-platform media and entertainment lifestyle program that marries positive social impact with great TV. Building upon the legacy of the iconic “Wonderama” kids variety show that aired on U.S. television for over four decades, we create original and “curated” content that seeks to entertain, educate and inspire kids and families in this expanding market. Wonderama’s core mission is to encourage kids to aspire to their dreams. The goal of every program is to let kids know “to never lose your sense of wonder” and to inspire the belief in themselves to say, “hey – I can do that too!”
The new Wonderama is now in production of its eighth full season of original programming. The show airs 52 weeks a year, currently broadcasting to over 91 million U.S. homes, is syndicated internationally, and is bastioned by a social media influencer network of over 85mm followers and subscribers. With its headquarters located at the heart of New York City’s iconic Times Square, Wonderama TV broadcasts programming from the crossroads of the world. Website: www.wonderamatv.com
About The Times Square Alliance: The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square – cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life for over a century. Founded in 1992, the Alliance keeps the neighborhood clean and safe, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements and produces major annual events with partners including New Year’s Eve, Solstice in Times Square and Taste of Times Square. As the custodians of Times Square, the Alliance works every day to improve the quality of life for the neighborhood residents and businesses while driving economic growth in New York City. TSQ.org
About Jamestown’s One Times Square: One Times Square is a 26-story building located in the heart of Times Square in New York City and was built as the headquarters of The New York Times in 1904. Home to the New Year’s Eve ball drop, the globally-recognized building has been central to New Year’s Eve traditions celebrated around the world since 1907. By virtue of its location and wide exposure, advertising space at One Times Square is highly coveted and among the most valuable signage in the world.
One Times Square’s $500 million redevelopment is transforming the home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball into a modern day visitors center, a globally recognized landmark at the intersection of art, technology and entertainment. The redevelopment, which will open much of the building’s interior to the public for the first time in decades, includes the creation of a viewing deck, museum experience, and 12 floors of technology-enabled brand activations. www.onetimessquare.com
Wonderama: Errol Rappaport Telephone: (310) 780-1170 / Email: errolrappaport@gmail.com