Korto Momolu, finalist and fan favorite from season five of Bravo Television’s hit fashion design reality series Project Runway, has been named  the official Grand Marshal of the 2008 Little Rock Holiday Parade by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB).

Originally from Liberia, Momolu was known on the show for classic designs drawn from her African roots. Before moving to Little Rock where she now resides with her husband and daughter, she attended L'Academie des Couturiers fashion school in Ottawa, Canada.

“We are thrilled that Korto has accepted our offer to lead this year’s parade,” said Dan O’Byrne, CEO of the LRCVB. “Not only did she serve as a terrific ambassador of our great city and state in front of millions of viewers, but her passion and dedication to bringing cultural influences into her work and to her community is something to be celebrated.”

The Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Little Rock and will feature floats, costumed characters, a band competition and more.  Also, it is all free to the public. The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Second and Broadway Streets, travel south on Broadway, turn west onto Capitol Avenue and end at the State Capitol. An official lighting ceremony and fireworks display will follow at approximately 6 p.m. 

School marching bands and non-profit community organizations will again have the opportunity to win cash prizes as part of the parade’s float competition. The band cash prizes will be $1000 and $500 for first and second places and $1,000, $750 and $500 for the top three winners among non-profit entries.

Local guest judges will evaluate the competition and will be positioned throughout the parade route as well as at the official judge’s stand.  Winners of the float and marching band competition will be posted on www.HolidaysinLittleRock.com after the conclusion of the parade. 

"The Big Jingle Jubilee provides an opportunity for citizens of Little Rock to get together to celebrate the holiday season," said O’Byrne. "We're going to have a great time, and it's free. We invite everyone to take advantage of the chance to bring family and friends together.”

The LRCVB is currently accepting applications from those interested in participating in this year’s event online at www.HolidaysInLittleRock.com.  Parade applications must be received no later than Friday, Nov. 21. There is no fee for entry. 

The Big Jingle Jubilee is one of the annual highlights of "Big On Little Rock," a community-wide program designed by the LRCVB to help residents celebrate the great benefits the city has to offer.

For more information about Little Rock’s 2008 holiday season or the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, visit www.HolidaysInLittleRock.com or call the Angela Rogers Group at (501) 975-1958.