81st America’s Thanksgiving Parade® Scheduled for Thursday, November 22 at 9:30 a.m.

DETROIT – (10 October 2007) – The Parade Company is pleased to announce that the theme for the 81^st America’s Thanksgiving Parade^® is Hats Off Detroit!  The theme celebrates the exciting rebirth of downtown Detroit, the development of our Riverfront and the remarkable success of our hometown sports teams.

“The Parade Company is celebrating 81 years of Parade tradition in Detroit.  It is magnificent to be part of bringing together the entire community to share in the magic on Woodward Avenue and celebrating the exceptional success of this great city,” said Joan LeMahieu, President of The Parade Company. 

The Parade Company has added these “hat-tastic” elements to support the Hats Off Detroit! theme:

• To spotlight Detroit’s own, The Parade Company has created a hat design contest to find the best example of a Warmest Hat, Detroit Hat, Favorite Parade Memory Hat, Biggest Sports Fan Hat and Thanksgiving Hat.  From now until Friday, November 9, 2007, The Parade Company is asking participants to submit an actual photo of the crafted hat that best represents one of the five categories to www.clickondetroit.com.  November 10-12, 2007, viewers will be able to log onto www.clickondetroit.com and vote for their favorite hat.  Grand prize winners will be notified November 13, 2007 and will receive the opportunity to ride on a float in the Parade.  The winners’ names will be announced during the Parade as their float makes its way down Woodward Avenue.

• Of the most visible “hat” organizations, The Red Hat Society will participate with a brigade in this year’s Parade.  The Parade Company’s very own Distinguished Clown and Parade Company supporter, Francine Pegues, is a member of this fabulous organization. 

• The Parade Company costume design team has made over 2,000 custom-designed fleece hats to sell to Parade supporters.  All hats are on display in Clownie’s Closet at The Parade Company.  For more information on how to purchase these limited edition hats, call 313.923.7400.

• Parade-goers are encouraged to bring new or clean, gently used hats to the Parade.  Volunteers will be collecting and filling the hats into the VIA Rail circus train along the Parade route.[Back to Press Releases Main]