News & Events

From WNYT.com
Jacquie Slater
Updated: December 30, 2020 07:55 PM

No doubt 2020 has been a challenging year so the Albany Capital Center, CDTA and Transfinder joined forces to bid it farewell. A farewell to 2020 virtual parade was held on Wednesday.

The 45-minute parade aired on Facebook with attendees viewing it online.

"I loved the parade. It was exactly what we wanted to do. I think it even exceeded my expectations in the way we were able to put everything together," said Doug McClain, General Manager of the Albany Capital Center.

McClain said the idea for the event came together as a way to help nonprofits who normally hold their big fundraising events at the Capital Center each year but those were canceled due to the pandemic. McClain says 11 area nonprofits will split 100% of the proceeds from the parade.

Money was raised through sponsorships, advertising, and donations collected online.

The virtual parade route was shown online using technology from Transfinder. As the virtual route made its way through the city there were performances from local musicians, cheer and dance groups and messages from area business leaders and representatives from the nonprofits.

"I love it. I think it's so much fun. I'm so excited to tune in and watch it. We had so much fun making our float. I think it's really that idea of reimagining and being able to engage people. I think it's awesome," said Lizzie Hunter with the American Cancer Society.

Donations are being accepted online through January 3, 2021.

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