Turkey Day TV: Chippewa Valley, Dakota Bands to March in America's Thanksgiving Parade

Do you hear what I hear?

If you're planning to watch the 85th America's Thanksgiving Parade this year you can be sure you'll not only hear but also see the talents of two local marching bands.

Under the direction of Tim Hoey, Chippewa Valley High School will join the Nov. 24 parade for its 11th consecutive year–the longest performance streak of any band in the parade–while will march for its fourth consecutive year with Risa Hsu as director.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to perform in front of a huge live audience,” Hoey said, in a previous interview. “The crowd really loves watching the band, and being so close to them makes for a unique experience. The TV exposure is wonderful for the band and our district. The parade is carried nationally, and has helped put Chippewa Valley Schools on the map.”

While thousands along Woodward Avenue will see the bands perform live, televised coverage by WDIV Local 4 will ensure the performances are broadcast to millions across the country.

So if you have family and friends from out of state, like Patch reader and band parent Patricia Elias Brown, be sure they tune in Nov. 24. 

"I have been watching America's Thanksgiving Parade since I was a small child and now to have my daughter marching in it is quite an honor," . "The best part is when family that live in Arizona, Indiana and Illinois see her marching and call because she is on TV."

The parade will step off at 9:05 a.m. and make its way along Woodward Avenue from Mack Avenue to Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. If you're planning to head downtown, be sure to set your alarm clock and check the parade website for additional route and parking information.

For those watching from home, keep your eyes glued to the screen around 10:25 a.m. to catch a glimpse of Chippewa Valley and again at around 10:50 a.m. to see Dakota pass through the TV zone.

The bands will play such holiday tunes as "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and “Christmas on Parade” as well as the crowd favorite "Celebration," by Kool and the Gang.

Traditionally, on the day of the parade, ClickonDetroit.com posts a poll where viewers can vote for their favorite band. While the poll isn't up yet, make a note to log in and vote, as neither band has won these bragging rights to date.  

The parade will be broadcast live on WDIV Local 4 and on WJR 760 AM.

Submit Your Own Parade Pics!

If you're heading down to the parade with the band, or just friends and family, text a pic to 586-754-3791 or upload your parade photos or videos directly here by clicking the "Submit Photo & Video" link above.