America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit was founded the same year as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Both events date back to 1924, but this is just a coincidence. Detroit’s Thanksgiving parade was created by the J.L. Hudson Company department store. The company’s display director Charles Wendel was so impressed by the Toronto Santa Claus Parade organized by Eaton’s that he decided to create a similar event in Detroit.
In addition to the usual decorated floats, marching bands and balloons, Wendel obtained large heads made of papier-mâché similar to those he saw during his recent trip to Europe. These heads are made in the Italian city of Viareggio known for its annual carnival that features papier-mâché floats, figures and masks. They still remain a fixture of Detroit’s parade.
The parade was suspended during World War II, but the event was resumed in 1945. Hudson’s remained the main sponsor until 1979, when the expenses became too high. The event was turned over to the Detroit Renaissance Foundation. Several years later, control of the parade was transferred to the newly created Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for managing the parade.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van is a registered trademark of the foundation. The parade features over 75 units, including floats, balloons, marching bands, dance groups, and even an equestrian unit. Among the parade’s highlights are the Big Head Corps (we’ve already mentioned the parade’s signature papier-mâché heads) and the Distinguished Clown Corps, which features local community and corporate leaders dressed as clowns.
The parade also features the annual Turkey Trot often referred to as “The Parade before The Parade”. Thousands of participants dressed in costumes walk or run through downtown Detroit. The organizers offer a variety of races to choose from – the Strategic Staffing Solutions 10K Turkey Trot Run, the 5K Stuffing Strut Run/Walk and family-friendly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile.
Photo: theparade.org
