The Tyler Junior College Apache Band and Apache Belles are kicking off the holiday season in Lone Star style.
The groups will head to Houston on Wednesday for the 68th Annual H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“The Apache Belles have performed in the Houston parade for many years, and we’re thrilled to have the Apache Band join us this year,” Apache Belles Director Jasilyn Schaefer said.
“Due to Hurricane Harvey and the resulting flooding and damage, the people of Houston are still recovering from a tough year. We’re happy to spend our Thanksgiving sharing a bit of TJC friendliness and hospitality with them.”
The Apache Band and Apache Belles are celebrating their 70th year as TJC’s most well-known, well-traveled ambassadors, delighting audiences around the world with their precision high kicks and award-winning sounds.
The Apache Band is under the direction of Jeremy Strickland. In addition to Schaefer, Apache Belles artistic director/choreographer is Christy Evans.
Parade details
The parade will be televised live beginning 9 a.m. Thursday on KYTX (CW) in Tyler, KHOU in Houston and WFAA in Dallas. Livestreaming will be available on KHOU.com and the KHOU Facebook page.
This year’s parade grand marshal will be actress and Houston native Chandra Wilson, best known for her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the hit ABC-TV series, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
The parade has long been a Texas tradition and is the largest parade in the state, attracting crowds of up to 400,000 along the parade route, in addition to those watching on television.
Along with the TJC performing groups, there will be floats, hot air balloons, marching bands and, of course, an appearance by Santa to get the holiday season started.
For more on the Apache Band, go to www.tjc.edu/band. For more on the Apache Belles, go to tjc.edu/belles.