Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade is going virtual in 2020, in the interest of public health. It will be broadcast from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Follow the Facebook event for more udpates.
Here is the press release from August 18th, 2020:
This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. The annual celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, and one of the longest-running events in the City of Charlotte, will move to TV in 2020.
The decision to cancel the in-person parade comes after discussion with health authorities, public officials, and other industry experts. The uncertainty of COVID-19 conditions and public safety protocols in effect at the time of the parade drove the decision.
“Today marks 100 days from the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. While we’re saddened that the parade won’t be live in Uptown this year, we know that moving the event to a TV special is what’s best for the community,” said Robert Krumbine, chief creative officer at Charlotte Center City Partners.
We can all celebrate this long-standing tradition with family and friends in the comfort of our homes and we will welcome in the holiday season to Charlotte in the safest way possible. The best part about the parade has always been its ability to bring the community together, whether in person or virtually. Just know that the 75th anniversary event next year – the diamond anniversary – will be spectacular!”
“The Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade has kicked off Charlotte’s holiday season for nearly 75 years. While we’ll miss celebrating in person this year, a virtual parade is the best way for us to keep our neighbors and loved ones safe,” said Jesse Cureton, executive vice president and chief consumer officer for Novant Health. “Time spent with friends and family is what makes the parade and our holiday traditions special. This year’s virtual celebration will showcase some of our favorite memories from previous parades as we look forward to the holiday season.”
The parade will air on WBTV on Thanksgiving Day. The broadcast will feature “best of” segments from years past including floats, marching bands, balloons, and other performances. Local and regional performers are a staple of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade and they will continue to be featured during the TV special.
Additional segments might include, but are not limited to, virtual all-star performances, parade history and fun facts, community giving back, highlighting front-line heroes, and even healthy cooking features.
For more information, visit http://novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/.
Segwalloons at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
One thing you’ll surely see at the virtual parade will be Segwalloons (Ground-level character balloons that cover Segways.) If you’re not a Charlotteean (or even if you are) you might be asking “What are Segwalloons?”
Segwalloons are a Charlotte original. Introduced at the 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade, they are a cross between balloons and Segways. The design allows the driver to interact with the crowd in a unique way. The original two Segwalloons were an elf and a snowman. Since then they’ve taken different forms, including Colonial characters, which are also in operation on Meck Dec Day.
You will find Segwalloons only in Charlotte.
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