DETROIT (WWJ) -- It's a treasured holiday tradition for people of all ages from all parts of metro Detroit.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade will return to the heart of downtown on Thursday, with spectators welcome along Woodward Avenue.
Like many events in 2020, the parade was scaled back and limited to no spectators last year, but it’s making a full comeback this Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2021.
Here are some important things to know about this year’s parade, which has the theme “Love on Woodward.”
When and where is the parade?
The 95th annual parade will step off at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward and Kirby, making the roughly hour-and-a-half trip down Woodward to the “Celebration Zone,” at Woodward and Congress, just south of Campus Martius.
Where can I watch?
Spectators can catch the parade for free anywhere along the three-mile parade route, while grandstand tickets can be purchased on The Parade Company’s website. Tickets start at $55 and are available in limited quantity until Tuesday.
Who will be in the parade?
Former Lions wide receiver and Hall-of-Famer Calvin Johnson and Bishop Edgar Vann are the parade’s honorary grand marshals.
Those who don’t want to brave the crowds on Thursday will be able to watch the parade on WDIV Local 4 in the metro Detroit area. The broadcast begins at 9 a.m., with coverage starting at 6 a.m.
There will be loads of parade floats, balloons and local marching bands. A full parade lineup can be found here.
Parking and traffic info
Downtown Detroit is expected to be busy bright and early on Thursday morning as the crowds head downtown for the parade, Turkey Trot run and the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving game against the rival Chicago Bears.
Parade officials say there will be “plenty of parking” in the city on Thursday, while the city is expected to release more detailed parking information throughout the week.
Related
Road closures will begin Wednesday at 9 a.m. along Woodward, between Grand Boulevard and Warren avenue, while rolling closures will head south from Warren to Larned Street along Woodward.
More closures will start around 5 a.m. Thursday, including some freeway exits and other downtown streets. More traffic information can be found here.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest traffic updates from the WWJ Traffic Center. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
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