Tony Michaels saw someone wearing a T-shirt somewhere emblazoned with the saying, “Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit.”
When he thought about it, he agreed. The holiday features the annual Turkey Trot (sponsored by Strategic Staffing Solutions), the Hob Nobble Gobble (presented by Ford) and, of course, the biggie: America’s Thanksgiving Parade (with its major sponsor, Gardner White).
Michaels, the president and CEO of The Parade Company, which organizes all of those events, doesn’t think Detroit’s Thanksgiving experience can be topped. That’s why the theme for this year’s parade is “Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit.”
“I think everyone would agree with that,” Michaels said. “It’s the best day.”
America’s Thanksgiving Parade, which will feature a record eight new floats this year, steps off Thursday morning, Nov. 27, with a pair of Grand Marshals who will be readily recognizable to the throng watching downtown.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, in his final term as mayor as he mounts a run for governor, and longtime and recently retired WDIV anchor Devin Scillian will front the parade. Produced by The Parade Company, the parade is a Detroit tradition and is nationally recognized by USA Today as the Best Holiday Parade in the country. The parade, which will follow its usual route along Woodward Ave., is broadcast in 185 television markets across the U.S.
“Devin Scillian broadcast the parade for 30 years, and think about what (Duggan) has done for the city,” Michaels said. “This is a great way to send them off with a smile. We’re excited.”
Both of the grand marshalls are excited, as well.
“America’s Thanksgiving Parade shows Detroit at its very best, and it will be a great honor to serve as Grand Marshal this year, along with Devin Scillian,” Duggan said. “Normally, I’m the one who gets to drive the Grand Marshal, so maybe I’ll still get to drive Devin.”
For 30 years, Scillian described the action. This year, he’ll be in the middle of it.
“After nearly three decades of hosting the parade, it’s hard to describe the thrill of moving from the broadcast booth to the parade itself,” Scililian said. “It’s the best day of any year in Detroit, and I’m so honored to help lead the march down Woodward Avenue.”
This year’s parade theme, “Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit,” celebrates game-day energy on Thanksgiving Day with the S3 Turkey Trot, the parade and the annual Detroit Lions game at Ford Field.
The Parade is free and open to the public along Woodward Avenue. Special seats may also be purchased and The Parade Company has kicked off sales of grandstand tickets.
Additionally, the popular Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot – one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the country – has opened up registration including a 10K, 5K, one mile and combo events where participants dress up in holiday costumes to run the streets of Detroit. A series of exciting announcements will follow in the coming months, for more information, visit theparade.org.
