Sneak Peek at the 90th America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Sneak Peek at the 90th America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit

America's Thanksgiving Parade Presented by Art Van Celebrates it's 90th Year.

4
Sneak Peek at the 90th America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit
Rosie Wholihan

Every Thanksgiving Day, as my mom cooked away in the kitchen of our 3-bedroom apartment, I would sit in the living room and inhale the aromas coming my way. There was a light tan colored serving tray that had a circular pillar coming up from it, and a circular plate surrounding the base of the pillar. That base was covered in an array of nuts that my mom would have bought at Meijer just a few days before hand, and hidden from me in the pantry so I didn't spoil it and eat them all before Thanksgiving Day.

On our small, color, UHF/VHF-knob-turning-tube-television, I would then watch the America's Thanksgiving Parade that took place on Woodward in Detroit. I sat, with the small silver pair of nut crackers that mom always seemed to have to replace right before Thanksgiving due to them falling apart or getting lost, cracking my favorite nuts first (at that age, the walnuts of course). My eyes grew wide as the intricate floats and large ballooned characters passed across my screen. I was always so amazed at the display, and always a little upset when the walnuts ended and I had to go on to the "lesser" nuts.

Little did I know, America's Thanksgiving Parade had started in 1924, tied for second oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade with the New York Macy's Day Parade. The America's Thanksgiving Parade is celebrating it's 90th anniversary this year. If the math seems a little off to you from 1924, it is because there were two years where the parade did not take place, during World War II.

I'm not just an amazing plethora of knowledge to tell you these things, I just happen to be lucky in having Ann as my tour guide on a recent trip to the Detroit Parade Company HQ. Ann filled myself and my group of middle schoolers in on little known details that were morsels of interesting information. She told us about the design of the building we were in (on Mt. Elliott street); the history of the parade itself (including how after Art Van made a significantly large donation, the title of the parade officially changed to America's Thanksgiving Parade Presented by Art Van); and the history of many of the floats, costumes, masks, all along with how they all were made! There were exciting areas of the building that we couldn't take photographs in, so as not to ruin the surprise of the new floats that will debut on Thanksgiving Day, and there were areas where old floats were decommissioned, on display, and being used for parts for new floats.

Check out this sneak peek of what is to come this Thanksgiving Day on Woodward! And make sure to check out the Detroit Parade Company and continue to support this Michigan staple of arts and creativity!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70723
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132344
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments