America's Thanksgiving Parade rolls down Woodward Avenue Thursday

Coverage begins on Local 4 at 6 a.m., parade kicks off at 9 a.m.

DETROIT – Downtown Detroit was quiet Wednesday night, but Thursday morning that will change as America's Thanksgiving Parade rolls down Woodward Avenue.

Special section: America's Thanksgiving Parade

The final spit and polish is going on the floats as they get into position along Woodward, and there were more than a few people who were impressed with the floats.

"I've never been to the parade. This is as close as I got," said Latia Thomas.

A couple of people have serious questions.

"Is the reindeer going to be real?" asked Ayana Thomas.

Thanksgiving eve along Woodward is special.

"We come down every year," said Chondrea Grant. "I think this is our fourth or fifth year in a row."

It's an opportunity to see the magic of the floats up close, which can be an easier way to do the parade if you have little ones in tow.

"There's no waiting in line," said Charlisa Rebelin. "At their age they don't understand the waiting, so it's not waiting for them to come down to finally see them. They get to see them up front."

Asking the experts yields interesting answers and some have to think about what looks best.

"I like the Candy Land one," said Drew Kozel.

But then are some who are so sure, who know what they like so well, no need to pause and think.

"My name is Carson and I'm 8 years old, and my favorite float are the "Harry Potter" one, the Rudolph-Santa one and the one with the furry lion," said Carson Grant.


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