75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
2024 Press Release
MAYOR WHITMIRE REVEALS GRAND MARSHAL:
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CARL LEWIS TO LEAD 75th ANNUAL H-E-B THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Houston hometown tradition to honor local Paris Olympians
The City of Houston led by Mayor John Whitmire will jumpstart the holiday season with Houstonians’ favorite tradition, the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nine-time gold medalist, Carl Lewis, will lead the 2024 parade through downtown on Thursday, November 28th starting at 9 a.m. to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
"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," said Mayor John Whitmire. "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."
The parade will kick off with a salute to the Houston area Paris Olympians and Paralympians with a special performance of songs from Bring it On: The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda performed by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). The parade will feature additional performances including a vocal duet from the Broadway musical, Frozen, 21 HIGH-FLYING BALLOONS and 19 COLORFUL AND UNIQUE FLOATS including the famous Tom Turkey, Santa Claus and new tributes to the parade’s 75th Anniversary, Houston’s Olympians, Caring For Our Coast, and a salute to non-profits. Additionally, the parade will feature six local and regional high stepping marching bands, the Apache Belles and Bellville Brahmadoras, dance companies, KHOU 11 Toy Drive Float, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and more!
“At H-E-B, we love a parade, but here in Houston, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is our favorite,” said Lisa Helfman, Managing Director of H-E-B Public Affairs, Houston. “The opportunity to celebrate and connect with our community is a true joy and we are beyond thankful for the privilege of continuing to share this tradition with everyone for its 75th year!”
During his career Carl Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals, attended four Olympic Games, earning himself international respect and a place in history as one of the truly greatest athletes of all time. His impressive track and field performances have led to numerous accolades, including being voted “World Athlete of the Century” by the International Association of Athletics Federations and “Sportsman of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee, “Olympian of the Century” by Sports Illustrated and “Athlete of the Year” by Track & Field News in 1982, 1983, and 1984. Since his retirement from active competition in 1997, Carl Lewis has devoted a great deal of his time and energy to charity, founding “The Carl Lewis Foundation,” which serves as an umbrella for the many charities that Lewis supports including the “Best Buddies” organization, The Wendy Marx Foundation (for organ donor awareness), Ronald McDonald House Charities and many youth fitness groups. Carl is the Head Coach of Track and Field at the University of Houston.
Houston’s inaugural Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s department store. Today, the annual parade is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. It will begin on Smith at Lamar, head north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north ending at Smith and Dallas.
The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is made possible by H-E-B and the following segment sponsors: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and CITGO. Additional sponsors include Airgas, an Air Liquide company, Hyatt Regency Downtown Houston, KSBJ 89.3, GOYA Foods, University of Houston Downtown, Adams Davy, Bright & Early Coffee, McDonald’s Houston, Radio One Houston, Audacy Radio, KTSU/Vibe, and Vida Unida. The parade television broadcast and streaming partner is KHOU 11.
The Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is free and open to the public. A limited number of premium seats are available and can be purchased at houstonthanksgivingparade.org for $28.25 each, including service fee. Curbside space along the route for lawn chairs and blankets will be plentiful. Easy access parking is available along the route, and Metro buses will be running on a holiday schedule. For route and schedule information, please visit www.ridemetro.org.
For more information, please visit houstonthanksgivingparade.org and follow us on Facebook @HoustonSpecialEvents and Instagram at @coh_mayors_events.
Contact Special Events Office
City Hall901 Bagby, 1st Floor
Houston, TX 77002
E-Mail: specialevents@houstontx.gov
Phone: 832.393.0868
