Crowds gathered at John F. Kennedy boulevard on Thursday to watch the annual Thanksgiving day parade come to life in Philadelphia! Starting at 10 in the morning at JFK Boulevard and turning onto Benjamin Franklin Pathway from 16th street, the ABC and Dunkin’ sponsored event featured street vendors, giant inflatable turkeys and Phillie Phanatic, the Phillies mascot.
The return of the event after COVID restrictions and minimal crowds in the last year was a joyful experience for many attendees, much of whom were families with children. At the barricades, children held up signs saying “happy turkey day” and waved around small balloons with smiles on their faces as Mickey and Minnie rode down in a horse drawn carriage. Performers and marching bands from all over the country were in attendance, as many people dressed up in festive costumes as they watched from the sidelines (one man was dressed as a turkey).
On Ben Franklin Pathway, the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders preformed with loud cheers and colorful Pom Poms, as the crowds cheered them on. Philadelphia’s Jeopardy champion Ryan Long was even featured on his own float, waving to the crowds with his son.
As the children sipped hot chocolate and the parents had a couple of beers, many families were also grilling their own hot dogs. Setting up lawn chairs and pouring coffee in foam cups for attendees, the holiday spirit was very much present.
As is the parade’s tradition, Santa Claus and his wife Mrs Clause were also seen waving at the crowds from their chariot being drawn by their reindeer. From notorious figures like Santa and Mickey Mouse to the huge floats and colorful festive outfits, the parade was a joyous celebration for everyone involved.
Though all the stores were shut for the holiday, the German Christmas Market in Love park was open and many of the parade attendees headed down there for hot ciders and trinkets handcrafted by the vendors. One vendor, Nordic Dreams, sold authentic Scandinavian jewelry and Christmas ornaments and wool from Europe. Another vendor, The Truffleist, sold Truffle products to excited visitors.
With Phill the Reindeer walking around the market to take photos with children and Santa’s house open for business, families gathered at the park after the parade to spread holiday cheer.
