Dora the Explorer & Go, Diego, Go! Named Grand Marshals

For 73rd FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade

EL PASO, Texas (September 10, 2009) - Animated characters Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! have been named the grand marshals of the 2009 FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade.

"We are excited to announce that this year's Grand Marshals for FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl parade are Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego.  These television characters are well-known by today's children and provide a fun and entertaining way to learn," said Karl Murphy, president of FirstLight Federal Credit Union. "We encourage families to get involved with the food drive and to come out this Thanksgiving to enjoy one of El Paso's greatest traditions ... the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade."

The largest crowd in parade history came in 2005, when the parade's grand marshals were Warner Brothers' Bugs Bunny, Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird. It was also FirstLight's first year as the sponsor of the event, when an estimated 350,000 attended the parade.

"We are happy to have two such well-known characters as Dora the Explorer and Diego to serve as grand marshals of the 73rd edition of the parade," said Frank Bates, Sun Bowl Association president. "We have had a lot of success since we began our partnership with FirstLight in 2005 and this year should be no different."

"Dora the Explorer" is an animated series that can be seen on the Nickelodeon cable television network. Dora first aired in 1999 and has been re-dubbed in 22 different languages for worldwide distribution.

"Go, Diego, Go!" is a spinoff animated series that can also be seen on the Nickelodeon cable television network. Diego, Dora's cousin, was originally a character on "Dora the Explorer," but was incorporated into its own show in the fall of 2005.

The 73rd FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is Thursday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. The parade runs along Montana Avenue beginning at Ochoa Street and ending at Copia Street. Review Stand tickets for the parade can be purchased at the Sun Bowl Association office. This year's parade theme is "Don't Touch That Dial."