Tommy Lasorda Lights up Disneyland
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The Plaza and Sleeping Beauty Castle prior to the
ceremony
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Hundreds of Disneyland guests and numerous local media gathered at Disneyland’s Plaza for the official "Lighting of Disneyland" on November 21, 2000. The lights all along Main Street were dimmed in preparation for the event. As the event time drew near the Disneyland Band arrived and entertained the gathered crowd with the Christmas melody Santa Claus is Coming to Town. A small stage stood where Main Street forks around the Hub. It's base was decorated in a Christmas garland and a podium was decorated with bright red flowers and the classic Disneyland logo.
Cynthia Harriss and Mickey approach the stage
Suddenly the voice of Disneyland announced the arrival of Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss and her escort Mickey Mouse. As they walked arm-in-arm from the plaza to the stage the band played When You Wish Upon a Star.
Cynthia talks about the holidays at Disneyland
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Harriss began her remarks by reflecting on the holiday season, "our cast members have always cherished sharing with you an unforgettable holiday season. So once again we've decked the halls with colorful wreaths, wonderful ornaments and that gorgeous 60-foot Christmas Tree down there. Mickey's Towntown is all in twinkling lights with wacky toon trims, New Orleans Square is jazzed up with elaborate garlands and sizzling music, and in it's fourth season It's a Small World Holiday adds to the festivities with thousands of dazzling lights to brighten it's smiling facade. And this year there's one more enchanted gift that we are delighted to bring you. It's a beautiful celebration that embraces the warmth of the holiday season and gently reminds us all to cherish the magic of the holidays. It's our all new fireworks spectacular, 'Believe... in Holiday Magic.' And, for the very first time ever at Disneyland, it will snow right here on Main Street"
Tommy Lasorda and his family approach the stage
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In introducing the honored guest who would officially light up Disneyland, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and manager of the 2000 Gold Medal winning U.S. Baseball team Tommy Lasorda, Harriss stated "this man has created magical memories for millions of sports fans. He is a true leader, an athlete, a champion and an inspiration for us all." The Disneyland band played Take Me Out to the Ball Game as Lasorda and his family, including his wife, Jo, his daughter, Laura and her husband, Bill and their daughter (Lasorda’s granddaughter), Emily arrived in the Main Street Horseless Carriage. Harriss greeted all of them with a hug, but Emily seemed much more interest in meeting Mickey Mouse.
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