America's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 23, 2006 -

What an incredible honor to be a part of the 80th Annual America's Thanksgiving Day Parade! This event is more than just a parade, it is a time-honored tradition for families all over Michigan and a celebration of the Detroit spirit. Some of the highlights include . . .

• A new, "old" route! This year, the parade followed a route modeled after the original in 1924 along Woodward Avenue beginning at Mack Ave. and ending in the beautifully restored Campus Martius Park. This new route highlighted so many of Detroit's precious jewels such as Fox Theater and spotlighted the newest additions such as Merchant's Row and Compuware.
• Sunshine! Last year the bitter Michigan cold forced many spectators to watch on their televisions. This year, the sunshine helped to pack the streets!
• Glove warmers :) It may have been sunny outside, but in the shade of my float those glove warmers were a blessing!
• Shoes! My float just happened to be adorned with giant shoes and dancing princesses - my two favorite things :)
• Starbucks Coffee. The Starbucks station just happened to be set up directly across the street from my float's parking spot. Something else to be Thankful for . . .
• Volunteers - putting on such a spectacular event does not happen overnight! Volunteers donate more than 17,000 hours to painting floats, production, and of course marching in the parade! The volunteers are truly at the heart of this Thanksgiving tradition. I spoke to one such woman who has walked as a clown for more than 20 years. Her now grown son was in line at Hockeytown Cafe at 6 A.M. to get a window table to watch the parade!
• The Detroit Police Department. Work so hard on Thanksgiving morning to ensure the security and safety of the thousands of folks who come downtown. They may occasionally give a ride to a lost, cold Miss Michigan - Thank you to Detroit's finest!
• Holiday's on Parade - this year at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. With rides, games, entertainment, Parade floats and of course Santa Claus! Great family fun all weekend long!