DETROIT – Check out the breakdown of what makes up this year's 85th annual America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit:
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Number of bands - 11
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Number of balloons - 8
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Number of papier-mâché heads - 130
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Number of floats - 26 (plus 2 running floats in the Fifth Third Turkey Trot)
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Number of clowns - almost 1,000
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Total number of people marching (volunteers) - 5,000
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Number of grandstand seats - 9,000
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Number of beads - 300,000
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Number of Equestrian Units - 4
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Number of Specialty Units - 14
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Distinguished Clown Corps - For more than two decades, this group of more than 130 corporate and community leaders generously contribute to the non-profit Parade Company for the opportunity to trade their business suits for clown suits to make the grand march down Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. This year, the Corps has added 34 new Distinguished Clowns to their ranks and Pat Fenton will serve as this year's "Distinguished Grand Jester."
Big Head Corps - This year will mark the 4th year of the Big Head Corps. Featuring more than 150 members, the Corps offers young professionals the opportunity to get involved with The Parade Company, while offering fun programs and networking events with other young professionals. The Parade Company owns the world's largest collection of papier-mâché heads and with the support of the Big Head Corps, more than 130 of them will march down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning. Steve Booher will serve as this year's "Head Honcho."
ParadePlaza- Parade goers are encouraged to check out "Parade Plaza" on Thanksgiving morning, a free and heated tent area located by Comerica Park open from 7 a.m. - noon on Thanksgiving Day. Families will enjoy free giveaways, fun activities, meet and greets with parade characters and much more.