Montgomery County is seeking vibrant performing groups and creative units to participate in its annual Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, November 16, starting at 10 a.m.
The Thanksgiving Parade is the only one in the Washington metropolitan area and marks the beginning of the holiday season in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District. The parade route starts at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, goes south on Georgia Avenue, and ends at Silver Spring Avenue and Georgia Avenue.
Parade highlights include large inflatable turkeys and penguins, dazzling floats, marching bands, energetic dance troupes, and Santa with his elves.
Thanksgiving, holiday-themed units, marching bands, multicultural groups, majorettes, baton twirlers, artists, clowns, dance and gymnastic troupes, floats, sports teams, costumed characters, beauty queens, classic car clubs, and other creative displays are encouraged to apply.
The parade, held rain or shine, attracts thousands of spectators each year.
“The Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring is a long-standing Montgomery County tradition that brings together residents from across our community to celebrate the holiday season and our diversity,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “Whether you are a performer, an artist or part of a creative group, this is your opportunity to showcase your talents to thousands of spectators. I encourage everyone to consider participating and help make this year’s parade the most memorable yet.”
More information, including an application form, is available online. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1.
Photo: “IMG_0609a” by Elvert Barnes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.