Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

​For the first time ever at the historic America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White in downtown Detroit, spectators will experience the impact and "We do" attitude of Central Michigan University through a larger-than-life float clad in maroon and gold.

"America's Thanksgiving Parade is a pinnacle Detroit tradition and also an event seen throughout the country," said CMU President Bob Davies. "As an institution that has had a presence in the Detroit area for decades, it is our honor and privilege to represent Central Michigan University in a place that so many of our students and alumni call home."

The CMU float, which is still in the design phase, will be more than 100 feet long and 25 feet tall. It will make its debut at the parade on Thursday, Nov. 25.

"We are thrilled to welcome Central Michigan University to America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner-White and to The Parade Company family," said Tony Michaels, President and CEO of The Parade Company. "We look forward to seeing their beautiful float make its way down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning."

CMU's presence in the parade is part of a new three-year partnership with The Parade Company that will increase the visibility of the university's brand and opportunities for future students.

"This historic parade is a highly visible platform to share our brand in a unique way," said John Veilleux, CMU's vice president for University Communications and chief marketing officer. "It provides the opportunity to bolster CMU's presence as a regional and national higher education destination." 

March with the CMU float

CMU is seeking students, faculty, staff and alumni interested in participating in the parade alongside the new CMU float as a costumed marcher or banner carrier. Participants must be available the morning of Nov. 25, have the ability and be able to walk at least three miles outside and stand for an extended period of time in many types of weather.

Those interested in participating must fill out this form by Wednesday, Oct. 20. CMU will then select 30 marchers and two banner carriers to participate, along with six alternates (who will participate if the originally selected participants cannot).

Selected participants will be notified the week of Oct. 25.

Watch the parade with Alumni Relations

The CMU Alumni Association has partnered with The Parade Company to provide alumni and friends with exclusive grandstand seating on Woodward Avenue to watch the parade in person. Registration includes a strolling breakfast, light refreshments and exclusive access to the CMU Detroit office, which has private bathrooms.

Register by Nov. 8 through the Alumni Association website.