THE PARADE COMPANY

Vote for your favorite Marching Band and Choreography Team starting at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving morning

We are only two and a half days away from America’s Thanksgiving Parade.

It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season -- so please join us for this huge party live from Ford Field.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade returns to Detroit’s Woodward Avenue this year after a scaled-back parade in 2020.

The Parade Company revealed the winner of the Skillman Foundation float contest.

It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season -- so please join us for this huge party live from Ford Field.

Stars will shine bright on Woodward Avenue this Thanksgiving morning.

DETROIT – Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson Jr. will serve as Grand Marshal for America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. He will be joined by Detroit Bishop Edgar Vann of Detroit’s Second Ebenezer Church for the annual parade in downtown Detroit on Nov. 25, the Parade Company announced Thursday. “We are thrilled to welcome Calvin Johnson and Bishop Vann as this year’s Grand Marshals for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO, The Parade Company. Active in the community, Johnson founded the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation to provide financial assistance to community organizations and to help at-risk youth. Themed “Love on Woodward,” America’s Thanksgiving Parade is featured annually on WDIV Local 4, including a one-hour syndicated national broadcast reaching more than 185 television markets across the country.

The Parade Company announced Thursday that NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr. and Detroit Bishop Edgar Vann will be Grand Marshals for the 95th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White.

What would Thanksgiving Day be without America’s Thanksgiving Parade? We’re just 57 days away from the signature event.

The Ford Fireworks are coming up!

The annual fireworks show in Detroit will stay in the suburbs for a second consecutive year because of COVID-19.

This year’s Ford Fireworks will be a TV-only event and you will be able to watch them on June 28 right here on Local 4.

The weather has many people thinking about summer, and some are already thinking about one of the summer’s big events -- The Ford Fireworks.

You voted for your favorite high school marching band that performed during “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White” and it was a very close race -- your support was impressive this year. The results are in, and the winner of the Battle of the Bands is...St. Clair High School Marching Saints! The Parade Company will present the trophy pictured below to the Marching Saints. Battle of the Bands Winner Trophy (The Parade Company)Thanks to everyone who voted and the marching bands for all their hard work that made this year’s parade such a fun event. Another big thanks to The Parade Company for providing the trophy as they do each year.

Gardner-White introduced their first-ever float today, “There’s No Place Like Home,” that will make its debut in the 94th “America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White.” This year marks the Michigan-based and family-owned furniture retailer’s first year as presenting sponsor of the iconic Detroit Parade. Built by The Parade Company, Gardner-White’s new float, “There’s No Place Like Home” embodies the warmth and comfort of a family home. The front of float depicts a working, swinging door that visually welcomes you onto the float and into a dining room set for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. “America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White” is set to go as a live televised-only and online-only event on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com. Then, at 8 a.m., Jason Carr and Tati Amare host “America’s Thanksgiving Parade Preview with Live in the D.”“America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White” starts at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, including a one-hour syndicated national broadcast from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. reaching more 185 major cities across the country (check local TV listings).

We’re talking about the 38th annual S3 Turkey Trot, of course, but this year it’s going VIRTUAL. The Thanksgiving day race offers runners the 10K and 5K Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile. All runners receive the official collectors S3 Turkey Trot race shirt and medal! Be a part of this great tradition and one of the largest virtual races in Michigan! This year’s “America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White” is a live televised-only event on WDIV-Local 4, in partnership with The Parade Company.

DETROIT -- The show will go on, but crowds will not be allowed to gather to watch the 94th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit this year. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Parade Company announced Thursday this year’s event will be broadcast on WDIV Channel 4 Detroit and is formatted for a TV presentation. “Our team has reviewed every aspect with the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department to ensure a safe environment. The Hob Nobble Gobble at Ford Field, which benefits The Parade Company will return in 2021. The change in this year’s parade is similar to how the city handled the Fourth of July Fireworks celebration in which no crowds could gather downtown, but the event was broadcast for viewers at home.

Courtesy of Lovio George AgencyAnother Detroit tradition has been gobbled up by the coronavirus.The Parade Company announced its plans for the 2020 edition of America's Thanksgiving Parade plans on Friday, and they include a few now-familiar tweaks.The good news is Detroit's annual parade is still going to march through downtown Detroit, with fan favorites like Kermit the frog and Captain Underpants in tow. However, the event is going to be a televised-only event, which means you're cordially uninvited from being able to congregate along the parade route.According to a press release, this format was selected as a means to keep the 94th-year-old tradition alive while also keeping people safe.“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,” Tony Michaels, President and CEO of The Parade Company said in a statement. “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!”This year's event will honor frontline workers and other COVID-19 warriors with the theme “We Are One Together.”The pandemic has impacted some parade adjacent events like the 38th Annual Turkey Trot, which will also pivot to a virtual event and The Parade Company's largest annual fundraiser, the Hob Nobble Gobble has been postponed until next year.Last month, the annual Ford Fireworks took place, after being postponed, in an undisclosed suburban location to prevent spectators from gathering. The event was also televised-only.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:2020 America’s Thanksgiving Parade will be live televised-only production in DetroitThe Parade Company announced today America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White is set to go as a live televised-only production in the heart of Downtown Detroit.

“America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White,” a holiday tradition that originates from Detroit, will go forward without crowds for a TV and web audience only. “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White” is recognized as the Best Holiday Parade by USA Today, two years running, 2018 and 2019. As producers, The Parade Company developed a creative and thoughtful approach to continue the 94-year tradition during these unprecedented times. The event benefits the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. Related: Gardner-White to be presenting sponsor of America’s Thanksgiving Parade

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:The Parade Company to release 2020 America’s Thanksgiving Parade plansIt’s an announcement many have been waiting for -- The Parade Company is announcing the official plans for the 2020 America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White.

DETROIT – The 2020 Ford Fireworks in Detroit, originally scheduled for June, will take off on Aug. 31 -- and it’ll be a special televised-only event. Similar to other major cities, this year’s fireworks will be a pop-up display, at a location which will not be announced, according to The Parade Company. “The Parade Company has an unwavering commitment to this important tradition and bringing great events to our community,” said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company. 🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

DETROIT – Gardner-White will be a presenting sponsor of America’s Thanksgiving Parade this fall. The new name of the event is America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White. The parade is in its 94th year and is produced by The Parade Company and WDIV Local 4. “We are elated to welcome Gardner-White to The Parade Company family and are incredibly grateful to have a partner whose commitment signifies an exciting future for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White,” said Tony Michaels, President and CEO of The Parade Company. The sponsorship represents a three-year partnership with the Parade Company.

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the annual Ford Fireworks will be held on Monday, Aug. 31, without crowds, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event, typically held in late June to celebrate upcoming Canada Day and the Fourth of July, brings thousands of Metro Detroit residents to the Detroit Riverfront to enjoy the show. This year’s event will be a televised-only display without the usual crowds on the Riverfront and around Downtown Detroit. “The Ford Fireworks this year will honor them and their brave work.”This year’s Ford Fireworks show is themed, “We Are One Together.” The Parade Company’s Rooftop Party presented by Ford, one of the non-profit’s largest fundraisers, will not occur this year. WATCH: 2019 Ford Fireworks on Detroit RiverWhile Michigan Gov.

click to enlarge Steve NeavlingDetroit's annual Ford Fireworks show in 2019. The annual show attracts tens of thousands of people to downtown Detroit. Not even the coronavirus can stop Detroits annual fireworks show.The Parade Company, which has put on the fireworks display for more than 35 years, has postponed the show until Aug. 22.The three-hour show will be televised, and crowds will be prohibited from gathering at Hart Plaza and other downtown locations to watch the 61st annual Ford Fireworks show.Organizers are pledging to put on the show of a lifetime.It will be one of the most special moments Detroit has ever seen, Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, said at a news conference Wednesday. Detroit will see a show that they have never seen before, and I promise it will be the best fireworks show that the country has ever seen.The show will feature the people of the great city of Detroit, what they did, how they did it, as well as the amazing people who have passed away from this terrible virus.The theme of the show is We are one together.Mayor Mike Duggan said the police department is putting together a plan to prevent people from congregating in downtown Detroit.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said large gatherings may be prohibited until there is a vaccine for the coronavirus, which could take a year or more.

The Trojan Marching Band and I are honored to be the winners of the 2019 Battle of the Bands at America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, said Joesph Swinkey, band director. Its not just community bias to believe the Trojans are among the best high school bands. The Monroe High School Trojan Marching Band was voted the winner of this years Americas Thanksgiving Parade Battle of the Bands contest, according to Local 4 News in Detroit which hosted the contest. The Trojan Marching Band and I are honored to be the winners of the 2019 Battle of the Bands at America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, said Joesph Swinkey, band director. Both live and TV viewers were asked to vote for their favorite marching band performance out of nearly 10 other high school groups.

You can watch the America's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV starting at 10 a.m. today on WDIV Local 4 or at www.clickondetroit.com. The Monroe High School Trojan Marching Band has been selected by The Parade Company, the group that annually organizes Americas Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, to march alongside the states best marching bands, according to Joseph Swinkey, band director. For the Trojans, the road to Detroit began last spring when the band received an invitation to apply for the parade slot. Swinkey also submitted a video of the bands performance during the Monroe Memorial Day Parade. While the band will be responsible for its own transportation, accommodations and other expenses, the Trojans are expected to receive a $500 stipend to cover parade day expenses, according to The Parade Company.

The Parade Company announced Monday an official celebrity line-up to appear in the 93rd Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. Lashley will be riding on the Rocket Mortgage Classic float in Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van on Thanksgiving morning. Santa Claus Santas grand arrival in his hand-crafted sleigh is at the end of Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. Detroit Shining Bright has been announced as the theme of the 93rd Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. About The Parade CompanyFounded in 1984, The Parade Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders in the greater Detroit region.

DETROIT Huntington Bank and The Parade Company unveiled a brilliant new float, Looking Out for You Friday morning during the 20th Annual Parade Company Pancake Breakfast presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The float spanning over 100-feet long and featuring over 100 honeycombs will make its debut on Woodward Avenue at the 93rd Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. Their float, Looking Out for You is spectacular and will captivate the attention of the millions of people watching Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van.Americas Thanksgiving Parade brings the very best of Detroit to families tuning in across the nation and its been a true point of pride for our community for almost a century. About The Parade CompanyFounded in 1984, The Parade Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders in the greater Detroit region. The Parade Company is celebrating more than 90 years of Parade tradition in Detroit and is committed to funding, creating and executing the best family events in Michigan.

DETROIT - The Parade Company has won 14 international industry awards for America's Thanksgiving Day Parade and more. The company also produces the Hob Nobble Gobble, Turkey Trot and Ford Fireworks. The awards were given at the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition in Williamsburg, Virginia. "We are incredibly proud that our team continues to be recognized as one of the best event producers in America and around the world," said Tony Michaels, the president and CEO of The Parade Company. "This amazing team works tirelessly with our remarkable partners to produce Detroits most iconic traditions and showcases our city on a national stage."

DETROIT – The Parade Company is collecting your wishes to display on a brand new float this year for America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit.The wishes will be displayed the Compuware iWish4Detroit float when it rolls down Woodward Avenue on Nov. 24. The theme for this year's 85th America's Thanksgiving Parade is "So Much To Believe In." To share your iWish head to iWish4Detroit.com.