16 years of Charlotte Thanksgiving parades a tradition of thanks and giving

After 76 years Charlotte’s Thanksgiving parade has become an important tradition for the city and its residents. Beginning in 1941, the city has hosted parades each year as a way to honor veterans of World War II and teach new generations about the country’s history of giving thanks through hard times, be it surviving the Great Depression or losing troops in war. Here are 16 years of Charlotte Thanksgiving parades to celebrate with this year’s festivities on November 22nd and 23rd.

16 years of Charlotte Thanksgiving parades a tradition of thanks and giving

Charlotte’s Turkey Day Parade has been a tradition in the Queen City for 76 years, but it wasn’t until 16 years ago that the parade made its way down South Boulevard. Now, each year, tens of thousands gather at the corner of South Boulevard and Hawthorne Lane to see marching bands, horses, clowns, military units even Santa Claus himself.

What the Parade Means to the City

The parade celebrates the start of the holiday season in Charlotte with family, food, and fun. 

The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, which has been hosting the parade since 1946. It's now one of the largest in the region. 

It's hard to believe that this year marks 16 years that we've had a parade! But it's also hard to believe that we are celebrating 76 years as well.

The History of the Parade

The first parade was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1941 to show appreciation for the troops coming home from World War II. The parade has since become an annual event, with this year marking the 76th running of the parade.

In 1948, the name was changed to America's Parade to emphasize its patriotic theme. In 1953, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed America's Parade as a day not just for contemplation but for action. Since then, one million pounds of food have been collected during America's Parade each year.

The Importance of the Parade

The parade has been an annual event for 16 years and will continue to be an annual event for many more to come. 

Charlotte’s Thanksgiving parade celebrates 76 years The parade has been an annual event for 16 years and will continue to be an annual event for many more to come.

The floats

The parade is designed to be inclusive, with floats that show off the diversity of the city. There are many classes at the public schools in Charlotte, and as you watch the parade you can see kids from each one. There are also floats that represent different cultures, so people who have family from other places can feel included. The parade also includes military families, along with veterans who have served in the military. There are bands representing both high school and college marching bands, which helps celebrate the city’s history with music. Lastly, there is always a float for different neighborhoods in Charlotte to show how they fit into this diverse community. 

The most well-known float has been an old farmhouse for about 16 years now.

The bands

Each year, the bands perform at halftime during the parade. This year, there were four bands that performed during the parade. The first band was from East Carolina University and they performed America. Next was the Dixieland Jazz Band from N.C. State University who played some jazz music for us to enjoy. After them was UNC-Charlotte's marching band who did some amazing tricks with their batons, including spinning them in intricate patterns in the air. Lastly, there was Liberty High School's marching band who played many popular songs that we all know and love.

Throughout all these performances it felt like there were an unlimited amount of talented people right here in our own back yard.

The spectators

The parade starts at 9 am with the National Anthem. The mayor takes the stage, followed by the city council, police officers from all over Charlotte-Mecklenburg, firefighters from all over CMPD, then military members. The crowd applauds for each group as they take their place in front of the reviewing stand on Mint Street.

The route

This year’s parade will start at the intersection of Trade Street and Caldwell Street, travel north to College Street, turn east onto East 6th Street until it reaches the intersection with North College Street. The parade will then head south to Main Street where it will turn west until it meets South Trade Street. From there, the parade will head north on South Trade back to its starting point.

The after-party

The parade was such an exciting event with so many happy people. You could feel the excitement in the air as everyone waited for it to start. The parade took place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., but there was also an after-party at Bank of America Stadium that went from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., which allowed for even more celebration and festivities!