Thanksgiving Parades Facts & Worksheets

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Thanksgiving Parades are held all over the USA in different cities every year during Thanksgiving season. The parades usually consist of floats, dances, music, mascots, and other surprises that center on Thanksgiving themes.

See the fact file below for more information on the Thanksgiving Parades or alternatively, you can download our 24-page Thanksgiving Parades worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Historical Background

• According to historian Elizabeth Pleck, the first Thanksgiving Parades were not as fun and organized as they are now.
• During the Thanksgiving season and other holidays in the 1800s, rowdy men drank until they were drunk, ambushed houses, broke rules, and even committed physical violence.
• This disorder in society brought to creation a group called the Fantastics.
• The Fantastics marched through the streets of New York City and Pennsylvania, but were not as disruptive as the rowdy men.
• Some rode on horses, some in carts, and some walked by foot.
• In many cases, the men dressed as women.
• The parades of these crossdressers were called Fantastical Parades.
• Their legacy continues on up to this day through the modern Thanksgiving Parades held in New York CIty, Pennsylvania, and other cities in the USA.
• Some of the most popular Thanksgiving parades are done in New York City, Pennsylvania, Washington, Chicago, Massachusetts, Texas, and Michigan, among others.
• Thanksgiving parades are also held at Disneyland Resort and two of Disneyland’s U.S. theme parks too.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City is the Thanksgiving Parade Americans most look forward to.
• It’s the most popular and most celebrated Thanksgiving Parade in the country and the largest parade in the world.
• The first parade took place in 1924, making it the second oldest Thanksgiving Parade.
• It is presented annually by American department store Macy’s.
• More than 3 million people go to New York to watch and participate in this parade.
• NBC began to televise the 3-hour-long parade in 1952.
• Even people who are not in New York City watch it on TV, reaching over 50 million people.
• Because of World War II, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade took a break from 1942 to 1944.
• In the recent years, broadway stars, balloons in all sizes (especially big ones), floats, and live entertainment filled the parade.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade

• America’s Thanksgiving Parade takes place annually in Detroit, Michigan.
• This parade began in 1924, the same year as Macy’s, making it also the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country.
• The J.L. Hudson Company were the parade’s original presenters.
• One of the highlights of this parade is the huge papier-mâché headpieces worn by participants.
• Floats, huge balloons, and marching bands start parading through the streets as early as 10 in the morning.
• The parade lasts around two hours.
• Its route starts at Kirby Street and ends at Congress Street.

Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Parade

• The Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Parade takes place annually in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• It began in 1920, making it the oldest Thanksgiving day parade in the US.
• It has assumed the names of numerous sponsors over the years.
• It was originally called Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade, from Gimbels department store.
• The parade lasts about 4 hours, starting at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard and ending in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade

• The H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade takes place annually in Houston, Texas.
• South-easterners love this parade, with over 200,000 people marching in and watching the parade.
• Like any parade, it includes big balloons and marching bands. But not only that – this parade also features live music and entertainment as well as a Santa Claus cameo!

Chicago’s Grand Holiday Tradition

• The Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade takes place on State Street in Chicago, Illinois.
• It was called the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2006 when McDonald’s became the headliner sponsor.
• In 2018, it’s being called the Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Parade after the most current title sponsor, retailer Uncle Dan’s.
• It is presented annually by the Chicago Festival Association.
• It began in 1934, a decade after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and America’s Thanksgiving Parade began.
• It began primarily to uplift the spirits of the masses during the Great Depression.
• Equestrians, bands, floats, and balloons saturate the streets of downtown Chicago.
• The route starts at State Street and Congress Parkway.
• It ends near Randolph Street.
• It lasts for about three hours.

Carolina’s Carrousel Parade

• The Carrousel Parade takes place in Charlotte, Carolina.
• It’s also known as the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• At half past 9 in the morning, the parade starts with floats, bands, performers, show business personalities, and officials parading through Uptown Charlotte.

Other Parades

• My Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in Seattle, Washington is different from Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It is held on the day after Thanksgiving.
• UBS Financial Services presents the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stanford, Connecticut. Massive helium balloons fill this parade.
• On the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, the Celebrate the Season Parade takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• What makes Arizona’s Parade of the Hills unique is the parade’s 560-foot fountain.
• In 1984, the Ameren Thanksgiving Parade began in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Of course, a Thanksgiving Parade is held in Plymouth, Massachusetts – the very origin of Thanksgiving. The city dubs the America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade as a “historically accurate chronological parade”.

Thanksgiving Parades Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Thanksgiving Parades across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Thanksgiving Parades worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Thanksgiving Parades which are held all over the USA in different cities every year during Thanksgiving season. The parades usually consist of floats, dances, music, mascots, and other surprises that center on Thanksgiving themes.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

• Thanksgiving Parades Facts
• Parade Word Search
• What Makes A Parade
• Significant Difference
• Modified True or False
• Match The March
• America’s Favorite
• Choose Your Favorite
• Showstoppers
• Draw Your Own Float
• My Own Experience

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Link will appear as Thanksgiving Parades Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 29, 2018