Jack Kazanzas Star Installation on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando

For the last 54 years, the City of Orlando and OUC have hoisted a 600-pound golden star across Orange Avenue to bring in the holiday season. The tradition started in 1955 and was the brainchild of Dickson & Ives' Wilson Reed, who bought the star in 1949. In 1984 Jack Kazanzas, a lifelong resident of Orlando, lead a campaign to raise funds to replace the original Christmas Star that had fallen into disrepair. Jack Kazanzas passed away earlier this year and for the first time in decades, the star will rise without its chief advocate this Holiday season. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer officially proclaimed the star to be named the Jack Kazanzas Christmas Star on August 23, 2010. This year, family and friends of Jack Kazanzas will raise and install the Star. Refreshments will be served and remarks and holiday entertainment will take place.

Sunday, November 21, 2010
8 a.m.
Corner of Orange Ave. and Central Blvd.
Downtown Orlando