New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade Will Return For 2021

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Mighty Mouse is set to soar through the streets of New Rochelle again as the Thanksgiving weekend tradition returns after a pandemic-forced hiatus.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City of New Rochelle announce the return of the 57th Annual Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, November 20, 2021, starting at 10 a.m.

Organizers said this year’s parade theme “Thankful for Essential Workers” will be a salute to those who stood on the frontlines throughout the pandemic to serve and protect the city of New Rochelle and its residents. Those honored will include healthcare workers, first responders, DPW crews, grocery store clerks, transportation providers, teachers and community volunteers among others.

"This year, the Thanksgiving Parade takes on special significance, as we welcome back a beloved New Rochelle tradition and offer a heartfelt tribute to the frontline workers who placed themselves at risk throughout the pandemic," Mayor Noam Bramson said. "Let's come together to celebrate our community's recovery and progress."

The parade will feature several big balloons, including New Rochelle’s own iconic Mighty Mouse and crowd favorite Tom the Turkey. Traditional marching bands will be playing throughout the parade. Vintage cars, firetrucks, dancers and singers will also be back in the lineup. Dignitaries will be on hand from Iona, Monroe College, local schools, businesses and civic groups.

“The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is a time-honored NR Chamber and City tradition and we are glad to be back this year," Chamber President and Beechmont Tavern-owner Rob Hayes said. "Our theme ‘Thankful for Essential Workers’ really says it all. Especially at Thanksgiving, we are thankful to all essential workers, healthcare workers, first responders, frontline workers — the people who fed us, the people who put their lives on the line for our City. It’s going to be a great day.”