Did you know that America’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the second largest Thanksgiving Parade in America? As a Detroiter we all know that the holiday season begins at Thanksgiving Parade. The streets are lined with families and friends hundled with smiles, laughter, and joy waiting for Santa to be given the key to the city. We love being able to come together in the city we love to marvel at all the floats and balloons as they pass by.
I know that as a native Detroiter, I have fond memories of watching the parade on Thanksgiving morning. I remember when Chilly Willy the penguin flew away in a gust of wind! And I still have my favorite floats and balloons I look forward to seeing each year.
This past year we had the opportunity to tour the Parade Company with our sons’ scout troop. Any group (over 10 people) is welcome to schedule a walking tour at any time during the year for just $8 per person. Walk through the magical wonderland of past, present, and future float designs.
During our hour long tour, we were able to see the volunteer artists working furiously to get ready for the upcoming parade. We learned about the many materials used and how much time it actually takes to design and construct a float. It’s amazing to learn just how many people volunteer their time and talents for the parade.
We learned so many interesting things about the Parade Company. Did you know that you can rent costumes and paper-mache big heads? Did you know the artist that originally created the paper-mache heads is from Italy? Do you know that some of the floats can fold down? Do you know why? Do you know how the floats are driven?
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It was so neat to learn all of the ins and outs of how the parade is run.
Our tour ended with coloring books, crayons, and clown noses for all.
EDUCATION
The Parade Company offers a curriculum guide for parents and educators as a download that you can find here. Developed by EMU professors, the curriculum guide is suitable for grades PreK-5.
FRUGAL TIPS
- FREE parking is available in their private lot
- Make sure to click on the Studio Tour Brochure to get a coupon for $1 off admission (not good Oct or Nov)
NURSING MOMMAS
There is not a separate area for nursing mothers. However, the tour is only about one hour long.
CONTACT INFORMATION
You can find the Parade Company at:
9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A
Detroit, MI 48211
Phone: 313-923-7400
Find out more about scheduling your groups tour here.
MI Fun Family 