LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Basketball legend Magic Johnson will be the Grand Marshal of the 73rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said Thursday.
Johnny Grant, executive producer of the parade, said the former Los Angeles Lakers star was one of the few athletes who changed the way the sport was played. Grant said Johnson was being honored for his basketball career as well as his high-profile business activities, community service and charitable achievements.
"Magic Johnson's generosity and community involvement make him a year-round Santa Claus," said Grant, "and we felt it appropriate to name him Grand Marshal for this year's Hollywood Christmas Parade."
This year's parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 5 p.m. PDT. It will be televised live in Los Angeles, and in syndication in other markets, as well as over Armed Forces Television.
