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. “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. 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”

DETROIT – With a few days left before the annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Skillman Foundation and Parade Company unveiled the winner of the foundation’s float design contest. “The Skillman Foundation is happy to have been able to sponsor a float designed by young people for 29 years in a row,” said Tonya Allen, CEO and president of Skillman Foundation. “We’re excited about it and we’re glad that the Parade Company could pull off this fantastic day despite the pandemic.”The float was designed by 13-year-old John Baker IV. “I’m very fortunate that it got picked because all of the other honorable mentions were amazing,” he said. On Thanksgiving 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.

DETROIT – America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White will still happen this year, but without crowds and for a TV and web audience only. In order to keep the tradition going, Parade Company President and CEO Tony Michaels said this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be unlike anything we’ve seen before. We’re just getting plans together for this virtual event.”This year’s theme is “We Are One Together.” The parade will honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want everyone to know you’re going to see a great great show with all the great floats and a lot of great things happening presented by Gardener White,” Michaels said. READ: 2020 ‘America’s Thanksgiving Parade’ will be live televised and online-only event this year

DETROIT – America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White will still happen this year, but without crowds for a TV and web audience only. This year’s theme is “We Are One Together.” The parade will honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. READ: 2020 ‘America’s Thanksgiving Parade’ will be live televised and online-only event this yearRead a statement from Tony Michaels, President & CEO below:”America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White is a virtual, televised-only production. With our partner WDIV Local 4 we will deliver a beautiful broadcast to everyone in Detroit and across the country. This tradition is part of our lives and the broadcast will reach millions in the safety of their homes.”