The Parade Company has unveiled an inspiring lineup of celebrities and icons that will awe generations of parade-goers for America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White.
The event, recognized as one of America’s best holiday parades, will be broadcast in 185 U.S. television markets on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) morning as it makes its way down storied Woodward Avenue.
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The all-star lineup includes six stunning new floats designed and built by The Parade Company’s team of artists, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
2024 Grand Marshals (Official headshots can be found here)
Daniel J. Loepp — Native Detroiter Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) since 2006, is one of Detroit’s most visible and active business and philanthropic leaders. He is a longtime supporter of The Parade Company and served as its Chairman. BCBSM has committed $1.56 billion to the independent Michigan Health Endowment Fund over 18 years as well as $5 million to the City of Detroit’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow — Sen. Stabenow has served Michigan citizens for more than 50 years as a Michigan State legislator, a U.S. Congress member and the senior U.S. Michigan Senator since 2001. As the first woman elected to the United States Senate from Michigan, she is recognized as a trailblazer who has opened doors for women and girls.
Mike Tirico — Mike Tirico is one of America’s most recognized sports announcers. The Ann Arbor, Mich. resident is the lead play-by-play announcer of the NFL’s Sunday Night Football on NBC and primetime host of the Olympics on NBC. Tirico has covered nearly every major sporting event in the world including the Winter and Summer Olympics, NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals, Monday Night Football, The Kentucky Derby, the NBA, NCAA college basketball, and the U.S. Open golf.
Parade Celebrities & Icons (Celebrity headshots can be found here)
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL — Broadway performer, Max Sangerman, will perform one of Neil Diamond’s biggest hits featured in the exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir. A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star eventually being inducted into the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, and a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The national tour of the hit Broadway musical, created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, makes its Detroit premiere Dec. 24, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025, at the Fisher Theatre.
U.S. Olympic Team Athletes — Three world-class, U.S. Olympic Team athletes with Michigan ties will participate in this year’s Parade.
Charlie Swanson — A University of Michigan graduate, Charlie was a member of 2024 U.S. Olympic Team winning a gold medal in the 4x100 mixed medley relay and a silver medal in 4x100 medley relay. He is also a two-time Pan American Games Champion in the men’s 400m medley and 4x100 mixed medley, as well as a five-time NCAA All-American.
Frederick Richard — A University of Michigan graduate, Fred is an artistic gymnast and was a member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics bronze-medal winning team at the Paris Olympics. He was also the 2024 U.S. floor exercise champion and all-around and high-bar silver medalist at the U.S. Championships. Additionally, Fred was named to Time Magazine’s prestigious 2024 NEXT List.
Jaydin Blackwell — A native of Oak Park, Mich., Jaydin’s impressive journey in track and field competition started at age 11 in middle school and progressed through high school and college, and now representing Team USA. Jaydin, who has cerebral palsy, has an impressive list of professional accomplishments, including setting world records and winning two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics in the 100mand 400m races. He was also the 400m and 100m champion at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Characters — Costume characters Sonic, Knuckles, Tails & Shadow will delight parade-goers,, giving a sneak-peak into the upcoming release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024, starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Idris Elba.
Hooper – Hooper is the official mascot of the Detroit Pistons.
PAWS – PAWS is the official Mascot of the Detroit Tigers.
Roary – Roary is the official mascot of the Detroit Lions.
Santa – Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle will be the one bringing ALL the magic to kick off the holiday season!
