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2020 America’s Thanksgiving Parade: What to expect Thursday morning

Parade to begin at 9 a.m.

DETROIT – We are hours away from the virtual America’s Thanksgiving Parade Thursday morning -- one of many things that will be different from past years.

In a normal year, Woodward Avenue would be closed the night before with a mile long line of floats ready for the big day. Viewers will still see all of the magic of the parade, but not in person.

“It’s going to be enjoyable and it’s going to give people the opportunity to wake up on Thanksgiving morning and feel great,” said Tony Michaels, CEO and president of the Parade Company.

The theme of the parade is “We Are One Together” -- a tribute to frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Grand Marshals this year are nine different people representing nine industries that were on the frontline and continue to be on the frontline,” Michaels said. “Our theme is ‘We Are One Together’ and not a better way to say it.”

Watch the full report in the video above.


Thanksgiving Morning Lineup:

6 a.m. to 8 a.m. -- “Local 4 News Today: Special Thanksgiving Edition”

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- “America’s Thanksgiving Parade Preview with Live in the D.”

9 a.m. to Noon -- “America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White”

  • Morning coverage begins at 6 a.m. on WDIV-Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com with a special edition of Local 4 News Today hosted by Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy and Brandon Roux.
  • 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).