Show your CMU pride to the nation at this year’s Thanksgiving parade

America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White has become a popular annual tradition, showcasing Detroit and the many parade entrants to a national television audience.

Thursday, November 27 will mark the parade’s 99^th year and will be the fifth year Central Michigan University is participating. It has become a CMU tradition to invite students, faculty, staff and alumni to be a part of the fun by walking with CMU’s float.

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Hannah Martin says CMU is once again entering a colorful float which features CMU students enjoying campus life, competing in athletic events and learning through a variety of experiences.

“CMU’s participation in the Thanksgiving parade offers enthusiastic members of the CMU community a fantastic opportunity to show their pride,” Martin said. “It also is a great way for alumni to connect with each other, and for everyone to connect with the Detroit community.”

Marchers must be at least 16 years old and be able to walk the three-mile parade route. There also is a considerable amount of standing involved. Marchers can bring a friend or family member along by registering them on their application form. Both the marcher and guest must commit to participating in the entire parade.

APPLY TO MARCH WITH CMU

All applications will be reviewed by a parade committee, and those selected to march will be notified, Martin said. The deadline to apply to march in the parade is Monday, October 6.

For those who prefer to watch the parade from the grandstand, CMU Alumni Relations is again offering the chance to grab a seat and enjoy a Thanksgiving breakfast. Registration includes exclusive grandstand parade seating on Woodward Avenue with alumni and friends, an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet social and access to the CMU Detroit Office with private restrooms.

REGISTER FOR GRANDSTAND AND BREAKFAST

America’s Thanksgiving Parade® is the second largest in the nation. It has garnered several accolades over the years, and has been named “Best Holiday Parade” by USA Today three times in the last decade.

CMU alumnus Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, said he is proud to see the national spotlight put on his alma mater every year.

"CMU’s presence in the parade is a powerful way to attract national attention," Michaels said. "It's an opportunity to showcase our entire community – from students and faculty to staff and alumni – and emphasize our strong connection to Detroit. We're thrilled to show prospective students and their families nationwide just how Fired Up we are."