DETROIT — America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White is set to go as a live, televised-only, production in the heart of downtown Detroit! As producers, The Parade Company developed a creative and thoughtful approach to continue the 94-year tradition during these unprecedented times. This year’s format is designed to capture the imaginations of millions watching from home and will not have spectators in the compressed footprint.
Themed We Are One Together this year’s parade will honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 crisis.
“We have an extraordinary passion in bringing America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White to our community and believe this is an opportunity to show the country how our remarkable city and people have come together to make this beloved tradition happen,” said Tony Michaels, President and CEO of The Parade Company. “Our team has reviewed every aspect with the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department to ensure a safe environment. This is truly Detroit’s greatest tradition!”
The Parade Company also announced details for its signature events, including:
- The 38th Annual Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot will take place as a virtual race this year and will not take place downtown. Registration is now open at theparade.org/turkeytrot – runners have the option of either the 10K or 5K and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile. The Parade Company’s goal is to make this the largest virtual race in the state. The event benefits the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.
- Hob Nobble Gobble presented by Ford Motor Company is postponed for 2020 and will return to Ford Field on November 19, 2021. This is The Parade Company’s largest fundraiser of the year.
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Parade entries for the 2020 America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White are now being accepted!
Haven’t you always dreamed of being a part of the magic and tradition of The Parade? Well now is your chance to shine! Each year hundreds of thousands of Parade spectators line historic Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning to watch the larger-than-life floats, colorful – high-flying balloons, thunderous marching bands, and unique performance acts. We invite you to apply to be a part of the magic!
Click here to download a copy of the Dance Team application!
Click here to download a copy of the Equestrian Unit application!
Click here to download a copy of the Marching Band application!
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USA TODAY ANNOUNCES AMERICA’S THANKSGIVING PARADE® AS BEST HOLIDAY PARADE IN AMERICA FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!!
America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van has been named as the Best Holiday Parade in America by the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Detroit’s iconic Thanksgiving parade also received this remarkable award in 2018. Produced by The Parade Company, America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van is broadcast in more than 185 television markets across the country and just celebrated its 93rd year on storied Woodward Avenue where nearly one million people gather each Thanksgiving Day.
“We are elated and incredibly honored to have America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van named as the Best Holiday Parade in America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards again this year,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO of The Parade Company. “Our remarkable team works tirelessly to create a world-class parade for the millions of Detroiters and viewers watching across the country. We are also fortunate to have great sponsors and partners who help us celebrate Detroit in the national spotlight.”
Nominees for USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards were selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. USA TODAY’s announcement may be found here: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2019/.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White is featured annually on WDIV-Local 4, including a one-hour syndicated national broadcast reaching more 185 major cities across the country. News/Talk 760 WJR’s Paul W. Smith and WOMC’s Stephen Clark and JoAnne Purtan also broadcast parade day shows.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White is one of the country’s largest and most spectacular Parades in the United States! Every November something magical happens on Detroit’s historic Woodward Avenue, a holiday tradition that dates back to 1924.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Parade spectators line historic Woodward Avenue Thanksgiving morning to watch the larger than life floats, colorful helium-filled balloons, thunderous marching bands, and exciting specialty acts! The Parade is televised live locally on WDIV- Local 4 with a syndicated national potential reach of over 65 million households! Radio coverage begins with “A Prelude to The Parade” hosted by Paul W. Smith on News/Talk 760 WJR at 6:00 and runs until 9:30 a.m. The LIVE play-by-play of The Parade begins on 104.3 WOMC from 10 a.m.- Noon. The Parade kicks off from the corner of Kirby and Woodward at 8:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning with the live broadcast on WDIV Local 4 at 10 a.m. and online at www.clickondetroit.com.
Click HERE to view the full document for the proposed new home of The Parade Company!
Source: The Parade Company