Move over Macy’s! Here in the merry state of Maryland, we have our own Thanksgiving Parade of prestige to celebrate the season with. I’m, of course, referring to the one and only Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade.
Unlike the more famous, albeit overhyped Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Montgomery County’s procession always occurs the weekend preceding the big day. That means this Saturday, November 22, is when you can expect the beloved, festive holiday tradition to carry on.
This year’s presentation will be even bigger and better, with close to 200 marching units slated to participate. Featured favorites include the Roaring Bengals from Blake High School and the Spirit of Clarksburg High School. There will also be live performances from the Akhmedova Ballet and the Maryland Youth Ballet, in addition to several others.
You can also count on seeing a vast array of cultural performances by such artists as Bolivia’s Caporales San Simón, Mexico’s Fundación Elena Ballet Folklorico, and Bangladesh’s Monjuri Nrittalaya. It’s safe to say that you’re in for an all-out global celebration in addition to all the traditional Thanksgiving traditions.
These will, of course, include those dazzlingly decked-out floats, vintage cars, enormous inflatable displays (such as the classic 12-foot turkey), marching guards, dressed-up dogs, toy soldiers, derby skaters, and Santa and Mrs. Claus bringing up the rear.
As always, the theme commences in harvest-happy Thanksgiving fashion, laden with all of autumn’s glory. The seasonal shift then takes on the frosty follies of winter, honoring the holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas. Another added attribute to this year’s lineup will be a themed focus on Montgomery County’s agricultural roots and the farmers who produce the crops that make long-celebrated Thanksgiving traditions possible.
Showtime for the parade will begin at 10 a.m. sharp, with units stepping off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street. The profession will then head south on Georgia Avenue to Silver Spring Avenue.
Emceeing this year’s event will be 7 News meteorologists Brian van de Graaff and Eileen Whelan. They will be broadcasting live from the grandstand located at the intersection of Fenton Street and Ellsworth.
Consider coming out to be a part of this time-tested Thanksgiving tradition. Attending is completely free and is a family-friendly endeavor for all to enjoy. Visit the website to learn more, including parking information, viewing areas, or even about volunteering for the big day.