Festivities for the 2010 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl kick off in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter at 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 21st with the Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March – sponsored by Westfield. Marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will parade from each end of 5th Avenue performing fight songs, and meeting up at Market Street for a heart-pounding marching band exhibition. After the dust has settled at Market Street, bands will continue on with their parade of marching tunes.

Spectators are encouraged to park in Westfield Horton Plaza’s parking garage to take advantage of free 3-hour parking, with validation. Voting and donation booths will be set up at select validation centers for fans to vote for their favorite band while supporting a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Fans can also participate by texting "NAVY" or "SDSU" to 90999 to donate $5 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego in honor of your favorite team. Message and data rates may apply.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Poinsettia Bowl than with this thrilling event. We are so happy to host two great institutions with local importance and national significance,” said 2010 bowl president Eric Graves. “The U.S. Naval Academy and San Diego State University are a dream match-up for our Fifth Avenue musical extravaganza.”

This San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl event is being produced in cooperation with the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

“Friends, family and fans get into action at the third annual Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March – sponsored by Westfield. Whether taking a vantage point in a restaurant café, sidewalk curb or walking along with their favorite team, it’s all good at this family friendly holiday tradition in the Gaslamp Quarter,” shared Jimmy Parker the Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

This downtown event is free for spectators. For more information fans are encouraged to visit www.PoinsettiaBowl.com.