As the holiday season quickly approaches, the Montgomery County community prepared its annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Held yearly in Silver Spring, this event first began 18 years ago. This much-loved tradition continues to live on with a grand showcase of glittering floats and fun festivities that will be full of fun for Marylanders of all ages.
Like the previous couple of years, the parade was hosted this year by ABC7 Meteorologist Brian Van De Graaff and reporter Julie Wright. It featured a large array of floats and balloons, ranging from small multicolored inflatable balloons to large and extravagant floats like Santa’s sleigh. Santa’s sleigh is one of the most popular floats in the parade lineup, as it is usually accompanied by Santa’s workers, elves, and reindeer, who distribute candy canes to crowds of eager children and parents. This year was the first year that a giant inflatable turkey was featured in the parade.
Along with the floats, there was also a variety of bands playing, including the Washington Redskins Band and bands from local colleges, middle schools, and high schools. Additionally, groups of ethnic dancers, fire trucks, and trained dogs joined in on the procession.
Aside from just watching the floats, bands, and dancing groups, there were also other activities for viewers looking for a more interactive experience. Along the streets there will be a portable skating rink open to all who wish to enjoy the crisp fall air while getting a little exercise.
This year is an especially exciting one for the parade because a new tradition was introduced: Holiday Selfies! Photo booths will be set up at Veteran’s Plaza, where family and friends can pose for a holiday selfie with an inflatable “Elsa” character, a giant inflatable turkey, or with festive holiday decorations. The selfies then have the chance to be broadcasted on the jumbo-tron when posted to any social media site with the caption “#MoCoThanksParade”.
The parade began at 10 a.m. on Saturday November 21, 2015, and commenced on Ellsworth Drive and Veterans Place, proceeded through Georgia Avenue, and ended at Silver Spring Avenue. Beginning at 7 a.m.
With the many activities to do and sights to see, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Day parade is sure to have something to please everyone; and what better way to kick off the holiday season than to watch the parade with your friends and family?
Article By MoCo Student staff writer Abigail McCann of Wootton High School