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# The Parade Company – Detroit's Premier Thanksgiving Parade Experience
The Parade Company, located at 9500 Mt Elliot St, Ste A, Detroit, MI, is a vibrant hub for community engagement and celebration, primarily known for orchestrating the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Founded with a vision to create memorable experiences, The Parade Company has become a cornerstone of Detroit's cultural landscape, offering tours, volunteer opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry involved in parade float construction. Visitors frequently highlight the engaging tours and the enthusiastic volunteers who bring the floats to life, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

## History
### The story of The Parade Company
The Parade Company was established to bring joy and community spirit to Detroit through the art of parade-making. Its founding vision was to create an event that could unite people from all walks of life, showcasing the city’s creativity and cultural diversity. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant player in the city's festive calendar, particularly with its flagship Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a tradition for decades.

### Milestones and growth
- **Founding Year**: The Parade Company was founded to enhance community engagement.
- **First Parade**: The inaugural Thanksgiving Day Parade took place, setting the stage for future celebrations.
- **Expansion of Tours**: The company began offering educational tours, allowing visitors to explore the intricacies of float design and construction.
- **Volunteer Programs**: The introduction of volunteer opportunities has fostered community involvement and support.
- **New Facility Development**: Plans for a new facility are underway to accommodate growing needs and enhance visitor experiences.

### Cultural and local influence
The Parade Company has significantly influenced Detroit's cultural landscape by fostering a sense of community pride and involvement. It collaborates with local schools and organizations, ensuring that the spirit of the parade resonates throughout the year. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its outreach programs, which engage diverse populations and encourage participation in the arts.

### Continuing the tradition
The Parade Company continues to uphold its founding principles by adapting to the changing needs of the community. It remains dedicated to preserving the tradition of the Thanksgiving Day Parade while also exploring new avenues for artistic expression and community engagement. The ongoing efforts to refurbish older floats and innovate new designs reflect a commitment to both heritage and progress.

## Community
### Community involvement
The Parade Company thrives on community involvement, relying heavily on volunteers to bring the parade to life. These volunteers come from various backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the arts and community service. The organization frequently hosts volunteer events, particularly during the lead-up to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, where individuals can engage in float construction, painting, and other creative tasks.

### Community notion about the place
Community sentiment towards The Parade Company is overwhelmingly positive. Many locals view it as a vital part of Detroit's identity, appreciating its role in fostering community spirit and creativity. The organization is often seen as a beacon of hope and joy, especially during the holiday season, when the parade brings together families and friends to celebrate.

### Events and gatherings
The Parade Company hosts various events throughout the year, including volunteer days, educational tours, and community gatherings. These events not only enhance community involvement but also provide opportunities for families to engage in creative activities together. The organization is known for its collaborative spirit, often partnering with local schools and organizations to create inclusive events that celebrate the arts and culture of Detroit.

## Offerings
### What The Parade Company offers
The Parade Company offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to both locals and visitors. From educational tours that delve into the history and artistry of parade floats to volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to contribute directly to the parade, there is something for everyone. The organization also provides costume rentals and float commissions, making it a versatile resource for community celebrations.

### Dining and food experience
While The Parade Company itself does not operate a dining facility, it is located near various eateries in Detroit, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal before or after their tours. The Thanksgiving Day Parade also features numerous food vendors, offering a variety of local delicacies and festive treats, enhancing the overall experience for parade-goers.

### Events and packages
The Parade Company organizes several events throughout the year, including special tours and volunteer days. These events often come with packages that include guided tours, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn about the intricacies of parade float design. Families and groups can easily find something that suits their interests, making it a popular destination for educational outings.

### Facilities and features
- **Warehouse Tours**: Guided tours of the warehouse where floats are constructed.
- **Volunteer Opportunities**: Hands-on experiences for individuals and groups.
- **Gift Shop**: A shop offering merchandise related to the parade and its history.
- **Costume Rentals**: Availability of costumes for various events and celebrations.
- **Float Commissions**: Custom float design services for special occasions.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of The Parade Company highlight a mix of experiences, with many praising the engaging tours and the passionate volunteers. Visitors often express appreciation for the educational aspects of the tours, noting the depth of knowledge shared by guides. However, some reviews mention challenges with parking and the industrial location, which may deter potential visitors.

### Compliments and strengths
The Parade Company receives high marks for its community involvement and the quality of its tours. Many reviewers commend the knowledgeable guides who provide insightful information about the parade's history and the intricate details of float construction. The hands-on volunteer opportunities are also frequently highlighted as a unique and rewarding experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While the majority of reviews are positive, some visitors have expressed concerns about the accessibility of the location and the parking situation. Additionally, there are mentions of the need for improved communication regarding tour details, particularly for first-time visitors. Despite these contrasts, the overall sentiment remains favorable, with many expressing a desire to return.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, The Parade Company stands out as a significant cultural institution in Detroit. Its commitment to community engagement, education, and the arts makes it a valuable resource for both locals and visitors. While there are areas for improvement, the positive experiences shared by many visitors highlight the organization's strengths and its role in fostering community spirit.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
The Parade Company is situated in Detroit, MI, specifically at 9500 Mt Elliot St, Ste A. This location is in an industrial area, which may not be visually appealing at first glance, but it is easily accessible for those looking to explore the vibrant culture of Detroit. Nearby attractions include the Detroit Riverwalk, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, as well as various dining options that reflect the city's diverse culinary scene. Visitors can also explore the rich history of Detroit through its numerous museums and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal stop for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

## FAQs
**What is The Parade Company known for** The Parade Company is known for organizing the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit.
**Are tours available year-round** Yes, The Parade Company offers tours throughout the year, focusing on the parade's history and float construction.
**Can I volunteer at The Parade Company** Yes, The Parade Company welcomes volunteers for various events and activities, especially leading up to the parade.
**Is there a gift shop** Yes, there is a gift shop at The Parade Company where visitors can purchase merchandise related to the parade.
**What should I wear for the tour** Dress appropriately for the weather, as the warehouse is not heated or cooled.

## Visit The Parade Company Today
The Parade Company invites you to explore its unique offerings, from engaging tours to hands-on volunteer opportunities. With a rich history rooted in community spirit and creativity, it serves as a vital part of Detroit's cultural landscape. Visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry involved in parade float construction while contributing to a beloved tradition. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, The Parade Company promises an enriching experience that celebrates the heart and soul of Detroit.

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How cool it was to have a volunteer event here. I have only been to the parade maybe once, but watched the floats many times on TV. It's quite something to be so up close and a get to be a part of the small section of the float. It's located at a warehouse, was told to wear grubby clothes and to dress warm from other colleagues that have done this event before. The entrance to the gated parking lot for the parade company is just passed the guard gate. There's a sign for the Parade company at the guard gate and the fence and gated entrance is right after the guard gate on the left. Keep an eye out for the extremely color blovkdftbuilding, that's where you'll be parking near. You enter by ringing the doorbell and the reception will let you in and guide you to the room for your team. They will soon be opening up the Saturday volunteer events for family members, and The Lake. They also suggested previous volunteers to come after hours uncertain days through the week as well to help out. The team was working on seven floats for the Thanksgiving parade this year. They will often repair and refurbish older floats to use again. I think Russ said their oldest float is from the late 90s. Russ works in the paint department. You can definitely see some very distinct characteristic floats, and heads throughout the warehouse. It's really large warehouse with big skylights that can make it very hot if it's warmer outside. Today was a perfect day inside, since it was only about 74° outside. It's really a fun event to do with your team members at a corporation or anywhere. They do provide gloves, aprons, paint brushes, and rolling pins. I think it would probably make sense to use nicer, rolling pins and paint brushes, since they get a little gunk up and messed up, which then can cause some clumps and junk as your paint. At the end of your volunteer event, the team will go through and rinse off all the rollers, paint brushes, and are asked to put back any unused paint into the main paint pale. I would definitely come again, it was my first time participating in making a section of a parade float. There are other corporations represented, most likely from my same company.

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This was THE best tour I have ever taken. Our tour was with Steve. He was amazing. Our tour was supposed to last a couple hours and it was extended. We were not complaining. Every question was answered, tremendous facts were given and the entire experience was stellar. I highly recommend going and supporting them. They are also in the throws of building a new place. Help them out. They deserve it. If I ever get back to Detroit again, I would def. Go on this tour again The parking lot is difficult to find, but a call to the front desk and we were helped immediately.

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After lunch in Hamtramck, our group toured the Parade Company. The tour was very educational and interesting. The tour was well worth the time. A unique family friendly experience for a half day in Detroit.

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This is a review of the tour of their warehouse/workshop. You buy tickets online and they will send you a map since the online maps are wrong. If you are with a larger group you get your volunteer tour guide and if are alone or in a small group you are paired with others. You will learn all the little secrets of how much work and planning it takes to do a major Thanksgiving parade. How the floats are made and why farm trailers are used. The secrets behind the type of costume style of the clown core and they pay a $1000 a year to be in the parade. The people who wear the big heads only have to pay $250. What the kids will enjoy is getting to see the floats up close. Learning how they are engineered to get under the People Mover. Or why you will talk funny if you have to put away the big balloons. You have to dress for the temperature outside since the warehouse is not heated or cooled. The tour is only about an hour. They have a gift shop at the end and the t shirts are reasonable and great quality. A great way to support the only parade company in the states that puts on a major parade from building the floats, planning the parade, and even owning some of the balloons.

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I love watching the parade, but every year I feel let down because the Santa is always Caucasian. If he is given the key to the city can't those who decide who Santa will be mix it up and every other year have an African American Santa?

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I seriously LOVE this place! I've been volunteering since 2004 and I'm so thankful I got into it (thanks Uncle Gary!). The Parade Company is more than just the Thanksgiving Day Parade - they also collaborate with Detroit Public Schools, Cornerstone, Detroit Fireworks, Detroit Tigers (Christmas at Comerica), Detroit Jazz Festival. Basically, if something's going on in Detroit, then The Parade Company is probably involved some way. They're always looking for volunteers, and these are some of the events they need volunteers for! October is preparation & building season for the Thanksgiving Day Parade - another opportunity to volunteer and really get a behind the scenes view. Sewing, painting, float construction - there's something for everyone and every skill level. Get out there and volunteer, you won't regret it!

91f3ca90-a261-4210-9c40-40c6006106e8

I'm just reviewing the actual parade since I've never visited the warehouse where they keep all the parade stuff. The Detroit Thanksgiving parade was pretty nice. We were able to watch it from the 8th floor of a building overlooking Campus Martius, so we caught the end of all the festivities. Honestly, stand somewhere in between the beginning of the parade and Campus Martius - by the time everything reached the end, there was a huge delay. We probably sat and watched this parade for over two hours just because it took so long for everything to make its way to the end of the route. That was really my only issue with the parade. The floats were great, there was a clear theme and there was a ton of local Michigan participation (especially marching bands!). However, since everyone needed their TV time, everything became so slow at the end that we would sometimes wait 10 minutes between marching participants. There would just be nothing happening down on the street. Also, we missed Santa Claus because there was over a 20 minute delay between the last float and Santa, which was really sad. I wonder how many other people left for the same reason - we all kind of thought the parade was over. All in all, we had a really good time and I think you should come out and watch the parade if you get a chance. Just make sure you stand near the TV cameras because you'll see everything in the parade (including a little show from each group!). Plan to wait outside for about two hours to see the entire parade from start to finish - bring blankets if you need to! There's plenty of street vendors and open stores selling warm hot chocolate, coffee, pastries, etc. so you shouldn't get that cold. Not as good as the Chicago parade, but definitely a great time to have in Detroit on Thanksgiving.

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Even if you've never seen the parade this is an amazing place to visit and tour. There is a private parking lot and pretty easy to find. The parade company is run entirely by volunteers who are very passionate about what they are doing. You will be taken all through the giant warehouse and a tour guide will tell you about the history of the parade and many of the floats. In addition to tours and parades they rent out costumes and floats. You can even have a float commissioned or a costume created by them. It's a truly fascinating place!!

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One of the best things I've done in a long time. I've loved the parade and especially the big heads since I was a kid, and I was so excited to see on Facebook that they were offering special small tours on MLK Day. Prices were $12 for adults and $10 for kids 2 and over. I went with my sister, my 8 year old cousin, and my almost 2 year old. All of us were equally entranced through the whole hour and a half tour. We saw so much! Steve was our guide and he was super knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Such a credit to the parade company. We had a million questions and he answered everything with ease. We got to see everything behind the scenes, the workshops where they create the characters, the floats and the costumes, the floats being stored and of course the big head area. Some of the floats were huge! And super intricate. There were so many to see and we took a million pictures. It was a little chilly so I'd recommend dressing for outside weather but it was definitely worth braving a little chill. I would recommend this for all ages and anyone who wants a little whimsy in their day.

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My daughter has gone here twice with Girl Scouts and if you asked her is she wanted to go again tomorrow, she would. They have all of the floats and costumes here, and the tour is well worth the money. It is in an an industrial area, and not the best looking one, and that might put some people off. Don't let it. The difference when you walk through the door is amazing. It is a magical place. The tour guides are great. If you haven't done this at least once, give it a chance.

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The Parade Company in Detroit, MI - Unique Local Experience

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