Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Will Be a Televised Only Event

Holiday time in 2020 is starting to feel the pinch of COVID-19 here in Michigan.

America's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2020 presented by Gardner-White, formally known as the Hudson's Parade back in the day, is going on, but with some changes. This years parade will be a live televised-only production in Detroit without spectators.

The parade made the announcement on their website. The company said they have developed a creative and thoughtful approach to continue the 94-year tradition during these unprecedented times and that,  "This year’s format is designed to capture the imaginations of millions watching from home and will not have spectators in the compressed footprint."

“We have an extraordinary passion in bringing America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner-White to our community and believe this is an opportunity to show the country how our remarkable city and people have come together to make this beloved tradition happen,” said Tony Michaels, President and CEO of The Parade Company. “Our team has reviewed every aspect with the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department to ensure a safe environment. This is truly Detroit’s greatest tradition!”

They parade will have a very special theme for this years event. The 2020 theme will be We Are One Together and is meant to  honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 crisis.

There have also been changes made to other events associated with the parade. The Parade Company’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Hob Nobble Gobble by Ford Motor Company,  has been postponed until November 19, 2021 at Ford Field.

The 38^th Annual Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot however will be taking place as a virtual race this year and will not take place downtown. You can register now for that event at theparade.org/turkeytrot . All runners will have the option of either the 10K or 5K and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile.