by Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (December 4, 2009) – The iconic horse-drawn Wells Fargo Stagecoach will participate in the Dec. 13 Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade announced Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails today.

“We are pleased to welcome Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company, to our line-up this year. The stagecoach, a symbol of our country’s heritage, and values, will provide a festive touch to our night parade, with the unique sights and sounds of the Old West,” said Mayor Swails.

Wells Fargo’s link to the horse-drawn stagecoach comes from Wells Fargo’s real history of using, owning, guarding, and operating them. The company still owns and displays ten originals in history museums, 13 authentic reproductions on display in their buildings, and a fleet of 17 that roll almost every weekend in parades across the nation.

“We are proud to introduce Wells Fargo to the Mount Pleasant community by having the Wells Fargo stagecoach take part in this year’s Christmas parade,” said Rick Redden, Regional President for South Carolina.

Each coach used for parades is an authentic, Wells Fargo approved reproduction, pulled by a trained team of horses, and guided by an experienced driver.

Wando High School Principal Lucy Beckham will be the Parade Grand Marshall this year. Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and Mount Pleasant Town Council will lead the way following the traditional fireworks display at Moultrie Middle School. The main stage will be located in front of the school and a panel of judges will select winning floats among churches, schools and organizations. "Look for a great show from local businesses and civic organizations," said town event planner Su McManus-Frost. “Following holiday etiquette and tradition, Santa will ride on the fire truck at the end of the procession.”

The Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade is “rain or shine”. Following a fireworks display at 5:30 pm, the parade will begin at 5:45 pm at the intersection of Coleman and Pelzer Drive. It will continue past Shem Creek to conclude at the Sea Island Shopping Center around 7:30 pm. As in previous years, residents are encouraged to leave their pets at home for safety reasons. Lost children should go to the Lost Child tent at Regions Bank, Sea Island Shopping Center, where a staff member will take appropriate actions. For additional information, visit us online at www.townofmountpleasant.com or call Su McManus-Frost at (843) 884-8517.

About Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company
Wachovia is now part of Wells Fargo. As a combined company, we move forward as one of the strongest financial institutions in the world with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,400 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.