On Thursday we’ll be celebrating family, friends, and all we’re thankful for–but before the turkey and cranberry sauce, we’ll enjoy the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. While New York’s Macy’s Day Parade seems to get all the critical acclaim–and media attention–our very own Turkey Day parade in Philadelphia is special in its own right. Read on to find out more interesting facts about this festive annual tradition.
1.) Now in its 98th year, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country! The parade began in 1920, sponsored by the Gimbels Department Store.
2.) The parade is 1.4 miles long.
3.) Four of the best viewing spots to watch the parade are the south side of Eakins Oval, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Logan Circle, at the steps of The Franklin Institute, or at Love Park, close to Dilworth Park. (If you can’t get out to watch it, the parade will be broadcast live on 6ABC in Philadelphia from 8:30 am-noon.)
4.) Special guests for this year’s parade include local choirs, dance groups, recording artists, and more!
5.) Over the years, the parade has had many local sponsors, ranging from Gimbels–the first, to Ikea, and Boscov’s. Dunkin Donuts has been the sponsor since 2011.
The parade will begin at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day–November, 23. It ends at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
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