DETROIT – We’re just two months away from a beloved Detroit tradition — the annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade — and this year, the event will celebrate a milestone that’s been a century in the making.
It all started back in 1924, the same year Macy’s started its Thanksgiving parade in New York City.
Detroit’s first parade had horse-drawn floats, papier-mâché heads and seven marching bands.
By 1931, it was on the radio. By 1948, it was on television.
And there have only been two Thanksgivings since it started when the parade didn’t happen — 1943 and 1944, during World War II.
Now, 102 years after that first parade — Detroit is getting ready for parade No. 100.
And it’s grown just a little since 1924.
Today, the parade features more than 75 units — floats, giant balloons, marching bands and thousands of people who help put it all together.
Tony Michaels, president and CEO of the Parade Company and the man leading the team behind it all, joined Local 4 to share what this milestone means to organizers and what Detroiters can expect at this year’s parade.
Use the media player above to watch the full conversation.
