In the U.S. we give thanks for our blessings on Thanksgiving. It’s a day filled with the 3F’s: family, food and football. Another Thanksgiving Day tradition is watching parades.  Whether we watch from the comfort of our homes on TV or hang out on city streets to see and feel the excitement in person, there’s something about a parade that creates true holiday and community spirit.  Here are a few cities that do a fantastic job of celebrating “Turkey Day” with a sense of style all their own:

New York City – The best known of all the national parades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a pure delight since 1926 – 90 years!  The 2 ½ mile route features Broadway performances, celebrity appearances, floats, gigantic helium balloons, and marching bands.  The fun starts at 9 am.  If you are not lucky enough to see this in person you can watch the excitement and joy on your television set on NBC.

Philadelphia – The 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is our nation’s oldest, celebrating its 97^th year on November 24^th.  At 9 am the historic Center City Philly streets will be filled plenty of live entertainment, giant character balloons, marching bands and decorative floats.

Chicago – The “Windy City” has one of the largest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country.  The McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade starts at 8 am.  Special equestrian units, floats, marching bands and live performances bring joy to the streets of downtown Chicago.

Houston – The 67^th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 9 am in downtown Houston.  A pure slice of Americana! Local high school marching bands, colorful floats and a giant turkey celebrates special Thanksgiving Day festivities.

Charlotte – The Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade continues a tradition which began in 1947 to show civic pride in “The Queen City” of Charlotte.  Creative floats, High School bands, colorful balloons and live performances start at 9:30 am in Uptown Charlotte.

Wherever your travels take you, enjoy the warmth of the holiday and have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Contributed by Chris Golden