Hundreds of thousands of patrons are expected to gather in Downtown Houston on Thanksgiving morning for the 75th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, officials said.

What residents need to know

The parade will traverse over 20 blocks in Downtown Houston along Smith, Walker, Milam and Louisiana streets on Nov. 28 at 9 a.m., said Susan Christian, director for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.



The details

Guests are invited to line the streets to partake in the free historic event featuring Grand Marshall Carl Lewis, a nine time Olympic gold medalist, alongside 21 balloons, 19 floats and six local marching bands entertainers. Christian said new floats include:

• The parade’s 75th anniversary
• Houston’s Olympians and Paralympians
• The area’s coast and its preservation
• Houston-area nonprofits

"I invite all Houstonians to start their Thanksgiving Day with us as we honor a 75-year parade tradition and celebrate the spirit of the Olympics," Mayor John Whitmire said in a news release. "I look forward to sharing the experience with family, friends and all the wonderful supporters who have made it possible for the city to start the holiday season with thanks, joy and gratitude."

How it began

The parade began in Houston in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and was paraded around downtown before he arrived at Foley’s, which later became Macy's department store, Christian said.

The event was spearheaded by Macy’s for many years before it was passed onto various Houston area organizations until the mayor’s office took over in 2013, led by former Mayor Annise Parker, she said.

What else?

A limited number of premium seats alongside Smith Street are available for advanced purchase for $28.25, Christian said.

Premium seating opens at 7 a.m. with entertainment beginning at 8 a.m., although all spectators must be in seats by 8:15 a.m., according to the parade website.

Another note

Community members unable to make it to downtown for the parade can tune in on KHOU 11, Christian said.