DETROIT – Entire broadcast can be watched anywhere around the world live-streamed on ClickOnDetroit.com
WDIV-TV-Local 4 is the official television station of “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van,” recognized as one of the Best Holiday Parades in the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice travel award contest and one of the best Thanksgiving parades in the country by U.S. News & World Report Travel.“
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The annual live broadcast from Woodward Avenue, hosted by Local 4’s Devin Scillian, Kimberly Gill, Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy and Ben Bailey, begins at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. The national broadcast, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., reaches more than 200 major cities across the country.
“We’re so happy to announce that this year’s parade kicks off with a performance from the Detroit Youth Choir, who we’ve gotten to know very well and just love supporting whatever they do,” said WDIV Vice President and General Manager Marla Drutz. “They’re such a big part of the community so it’s the perfect choice for our special event.”
“Local 4 News Today: Special Thanksgiving Edition” coverage begins at 6 a.m. followed at 8 a.m. with “Parade Preview” coverage live from the parade route. Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy, Brandon Roux, Nick Monacelli and Kim DeGiulio take viewers behind the scenes for an up-close view of all the excitement going on Thanksgiving morning. Plus, the latest weather forecasts for parade day and up-to-the-minute traffic and parking updates so those headed downtown can avoid delays, road closures and construction.
The Detroit Youth Choir, led by Anthony White and former Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer will be the Parade Grand Marshals this year. The Detroit Youth Choir captured hearts across the country and world with their golden-buzzer performances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Dennis W. Archer served as Detroit’s Mayor from 1994 to 2001 and on the Michigan Supreme Court from 1986-1990
Other celebrities appearing in “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van” include 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series Champions Lance Parrish and Dave Rozema; Keynote Sisters Phoebe and Jaclyn who perform an acoustic variety of country, pop, oldies and classics at venues across Michigan; Christina Kateri, a full-time musician currently playing dates and doing sessions for multiple original acts in the metro Detroit area.
Also appearing is the Griffin Family. Detroit Pistons anthem singer and winner of Oprah’s Pop Star Challenge contest LaShell Renee sings with five of her musically gifted (adult) children – LG, Rafiel, LaShae, Nathan and Briana. They will pay tribute to their late father LeVoties by performing his favorite Christmas song together.
And bringing holiday cheer are the Meadow Brook carolers -- from “A Christmas Carol” now appearing at Meadow Brook Theatre.
An adored parade staple, appearing once again, are the Mid American All-Star Pompon team, as well as Detroit’s favorite sports mascots -- PAWS, Roary and Hooper -- and Santa Claus.
Throughout “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van” broadcast on Local 4 and live-streamed on ClickOnDetroit.com, viewers can win special prizes while watching at home. On ClickOnDetroit they can also vote for their favorite high school bands marching in the parade in the “Battle of the Bands” contest, as well as vote for the “Best Choreography around a Float.”
On Local 4’s Facebook page, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the parade, in addition to getting important parade information, and photos from the route. Local 4’s news and parade coverage will be live-streamed on ClickOnDetroit.com from 6 a.m. to Noon Thanksgiving day so viewers can watch from wherever they are -- anywhere around the world.
Parade lovers can vote to make “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van” the best parade in the country in the USA Today 10Best contest by clicking this link.
“America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van” is created and produced by The Parade Company and WDIV-Local 4 is the exclusive television broadcast partner.
Thanksgiving Morning Lineup
6 a.m. to 8 a.m. “Local 4 News Today: Special Thanksgiving Edition”
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. “Local 4 News Today: Parade Preview”
9 a.m. to Noon “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van”