"Parade of Gold" and "Star Spangled Salute" will take place Saturday

14-time Gold Medalist and Towson’s very own Michael Phelps, as well as Loyola student and fellow Beijing Olympian Katie Hoff, will be headline Saturday's “Parade of Gold.” The parade will start in Towson at 3PM at the intersection of Burke Rd. and York Road and continue south towards the city on York Road in front of the thousands expected come out for the event. Another Loyola student, Phil Scoltz, who competed in the Paralympics, will also have a part in the festivities amongst other Maryland Olympians and Paralympians. Also, on hand will be Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore’s Governor Shelia Dixon. No parade is complete without a few marching bands so high school students Milford Mill Academy, Loch Raven, Parkville, Towson, and Dulaney High Schools will provide entertainment.

After the parade runs its course the celebration will move downtown to Fort McHenry for the “Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps.” NBC’s Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush will host the event, which will include a performances by the Naval Academy’s Concert Band and the Morgan University Choir, Q&A with Phelps, and a video montage of Phelps incredible performance in Beijing followed by a fireworks display over the Harbor.

It will surely be a proud day for all of Baltimore City and County as they say thank you to those hometown heroes who made the 2008 Beijing Olympics that much more captivating with their inspiring performances.