Local Olympic Medalist to Lead Dominion Energy Christmas Parade as Grand Marshal
2024 Annual Parade Celebrates “Christmas Wishes”
RICHMOND, VA (November 4, 2024) – The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is thrilled to announce that local Olympic swimmer and medalist, Charlie Swanson, will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade. The 41st annual parade, themed “Christmas Wishes,” will step off in front of the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 7th. Charlie Swanson, a Richmond native, represented Team USA Swimming this summer in Paris at the 2024 Summer Olympic games. He earned a gold medal in the 4 x 100 meter mixed medley relay and a silver medal in the 4 x 100 medley relay race. Swanson has made significant waves in the swimming world since graduating from St. Christopher’s School and swimming at NOVA where he earned Virginia Swimmer of the Year in 2016. He competed for the University of Michigan amassing an impressive record, including a gold medal in the men’s 400-meter individual medley at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Swanson expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “Growing up in Richmond, the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade has always been a cherished tradition. I am thrilled to be part of this year’s festivities and to share in the joy and magic of the season with my hometown.”
“We are incredibly honored to have Charlie Swanson as our Grand Marshal this year,” said Parade Director Tara Daudani. “His dedication, achievements, and community spirit perfectly embody the theme of ‘Christmas Wishes.’ We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with him leading the way.”
This year’s parade will feature a spectacular lineup, including colorful balloons, marching bands, dance squads, and much more. One of Richmond’s favorite holiday traditions, Legendary Santa, will also make an appearance, adding to the festive spirit. The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is open to the public and free for all spectators. For event registration and further information, please visit www.richmondparade.org.
About the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Richmond Parade, Inc. is a non-profit organization that hosts the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. This is the 15th year that the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has sponsored the parade. The beloved Christmas Parade showcases regional talent, including high school and college marching bands, high-stepping equestrian units, dance troupes, themed floats, super-sized helium balloons, Legendary Santa, and tons of fun! For additional information, visit www.richmondparade.org or call (917) 279-8839.
About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 400,000 customers in South Carolina; is one of the nation’s leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power; and is the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed $46.7 million in 2023 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
Photos by Mike Lewis/USA Swimming