Guide To 2016 America's Thanksgiving Parade In Detroit
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) – A cherished Detroit tradition, the 90th America's Thanksgiving Parade, presented by Art Van, will step off on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Kirby on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:50 a.m. and end at Woodward and Congress in downtown Detroit.
The two-hour parade — once of the country's largest — is free to the public with grandstand tickets now available starting at $35. [Call 313-923-7400 for ticket info or visit this link].
This year's theme is "90 Years Together."
2016 PARADE WHO'S WHO
Grand Marshals: Detroit natives Damon Keith, a longtime federal judge and civil rights figure, and comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
Celebrity appearances: Women's US Soccer stars Ali Krieger and Crystal Dunn, former Detroit Tiger Willie Horton, Run-D.M.C. founder Darryl McDaniels, Access Hollywood's Liz Hernandez, Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen, Kung Fu Panda, and Detroit's favorite mascots: Paws, Roary, Hooper; and, of course everyone's favorite … Santa Claus!
COMING & GOING
Street Closures: If you plan to drive anywhere near Woodward on Wednesday or Thursday you might want to check this list of street closures.
QLine Rail Construction: The M-1 rail construction on Woodward is scheduled to end before Thanksgiving Day — which means easier navigation.
People Mover: Those coming downtown for the morning runs, parade and the Lions Game can ride The Detroit People Mover free from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., courtesy of Sprint. All 13 stations are open this year, with the closest to the parade being Grand Circus Park, Broadway and Cadillac.
Parking: The earlier you get downtown, the better. Between the Turkey Trot, the parade and the Lions, it gets extremely congested in the downtown area, especially since police begin closing some streets on Wednesday evening. [MAP]
The Parade Company recommends the following facilities for America's Thanksgiving Parade and the Turkey Trot:
• Ford Underground Garage -- 30 East Jefferson Avenue, $10
• Millennium Garage -- 423 W. Congress, $10
• Grand Circus Park Garage -- 1600-01 Woodward Avenue, $20
• Premier Underground Garage -- 1206-08 Woodward Avenue, $10
Many other parking structures and lots in the downtown area are open for the Thanksgiving Day races and the parade. [Get more information, HERE].
Lost Children: Parents can find lost children at the Detroit Police Department Downtown Services, 20 Atwater, or by calling 313-237-2850 or 313-237-2828.
Please Note: The city wants to remind parade watchers that the building of scaffolds and any similar device without a permit is prohibited during Thanksgiving events in downtown Detroit on private or public property. Violators will be ticketed.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
There's nothing worse than being cold during the parade. Make sure you dress in layers and and keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather on the 8s, 24 hours-a-day. Get the latest forecast now on our weather page.