6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 6abc Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade (originally known as the Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade) is an annual parade presented by 6abc and Boscov's. The three-hour event is held in Philadelphia starting at 9:00 a.m. EST on Thanksgiving Day.
In 1920 Ellis Gimbe wanted his Toyland to be the destination of holiday shoppers, so on Thanksgiving Day he dressed 50 Gimbels employees up and sent them out on their first parade. He also invited orphans to the parade. In 1966 The Parade was first broadcast by 6abc (then WFIL-TV).
In 1986 The parade was endangered because Gimbels was out of business so the Parade became the 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later Boscov's became the titled sponsor.
In 2004 The parade celebrated its 85th year with a new Birthday Cake balloon.
In 2006 The parade was broadcast for the first time in HD and online.
Balloons
Balloon introductions
- 2007: Coming Soon
- 2006: Barney the Dinosaur, Arthur
- 2005: Bob the Builder, Hello Kitty, Curious George, Oscar the Grouch, Billy Blazes, Santa Claus, Kermit the Frog, D.W. on Rollerskates, Underdog
- 2004: 85th Anniversary Birthday Cake, The Pink Panther
Balloons that came back
These are balloons that were taken away for a year or few but then returned
- 2006: Bear in the Big Blue House, Big Bird
- 2005: Felix the Cat
Balloons With a New Look
- 2006: Wreath, Snowman, Curious George, Hello Kitty
Float Introductions
- 2006: Winnie The Pooh, King Tut
- 2005: Land of the Dinosaur, Food Drive Float, A Kittens Christmas
- 2004: Band Wagon
Stars, Preformers, and Acts
In addition to the well-known balloons and floats, the parade also features live music and other performances. High school marching bands from across the country participate in the parade, and the television broadcasts feature performances by famous singers and bands.
- 2006: Kelly Ripa, Pat Sajak, Paul DiMeo, Renee Goldsberry, Winnie The Pooh as the grand marshal, Ashley Parker Angel, Bianca Ryan, Martha Wash, Joanna Pacitti, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2007 Maria DeSantis, The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney Gang, Disney Princesses from Disney on Ice, The cast of Disney Magic Live, Miss Delaware 2006 Jamie Ginn, Miss Pennsylvania 2006 Emily Wills, Miss New Jersey 2006 Georgine DiMaria, and Santa & Mrs. Clause
- 2005: Kelly Rippa, Tony Danza, Kelly Monaco, Ruben Studdard, Anthony Fedorov, Anwar Robinson, Latoya London, Thelma Houston, Miss America 2005 Diedre Downs, Miss America's Outstantding teen 2006 Meghan Miller, Captain Noah, Sally Star, Miss Delaware, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss New Jersey, Mickey, Minnie & Friends, Mr and Mrs. Incredible, Preformance from Annie, and Santa and Mrs. Clause
Television coverage
6abc broadcasts the parade through their network, and extend their coverage to other cities and states including some places in New York and North Carolina
Dave Roberts and Cecily Tynan of 6abc and Kelly Ripa host the parade. Other stars that don't preform ride on floats and then help host portions of the parade.
Other Parades
Even though that the Philadelphia Parade is the oldest parade in the country, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is the most famous.
Other Parades are held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Seattle, Washington, Houston, Texas, Detroit, Michigan, and Fountain Hills, Arizona.
6abc Boy Scouts Holiday Food Drive
Every Year 6abc and the Boy Scouts team up to collect food for the less fortunate around Thanksgiving. The Boy Scouts are at the parade every year to collect can goods from the spectators. Since 2005 They have had their own float in the Parade