DETROIT – The Parade Company is gearing up for the 88th annual America's Thanksgiving Parade, presented by Art Van, on Nov. 27.
American Ice Dancing Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White will serve as Co-Grand Marshals of the iconic parade.
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The parade will step off at 9 a.m. at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Kirby, adjacent to the Detroit Institute of Arts in Midtown, and end at Congress just south of Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit. The Parade Company and M-1 RAIL are working together to ensure that the tradition of the parade route will be in place as it passes by some of Detroit's most notable landmarks including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Orchestra Hall, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre and Campus Martius Park during its over three mile march along Woodward Avenue.
This year's theme is "Walking on Sunshine."
"We applaud the progress of the M-1 RAIL and appreciate the tremendous amount of work required for a project of this magnitude," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company. "We have created a plan to work together during construction and beyond."
It is not too early to start planning for parade day with numerous opportunities to become involved including:
32nd Annual Fifth Third Turkey Trot
Registration is now open for Michigan's largest 10K run. This annual event which also includes the 5K Strategic Staffing Solutions Stuffing Strut and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile, is already on pace for a record number of runners this year, with over 22,000 participants expected to run in holiday costume. Registration forms are available in most running stores in metro Detroit and at www.theparade.org/turkeytrot
The Distinguished Clown Corps
For 31 years, this group of more than 180 corporate and community leaders has generously contributed to the non-profit Parade Company for the opportunity to trade their business suits for clown suits to make their grand march down Woodward Avenue handing out beads. 2014 nominations are now open, contact CarolAnn Barbb at 313.432.7831 for details.
The Big Head Corps
This popular program offers young professionals the opportunity to become involved with The Parade Company, while also gaining a networking experience. With the world's largest and expanding collection of nearly 300 papier-mâché heads, The Parade Company's Big Head Corps will march down the parade route bringing smiles to faces and shedding light on one of Detroit's hidden jewels. To learn more and get involved, contact Valerie Richards-Adams at 313.923.7403
"For over eight decades, the parade has been a beloved tradition in Detroit," said Michaels. "We look forward to a spectacular event showcasing our great city and creating lifelong memories for viewers of all ages."
The two-hour Parade will be featured on WDIV-TV Local 4, including a one-hour national broadcast reaching more than 140 major cities across the country. News/Talk 760 WJR will also broadcast live from the parade route.