On November 25 outside Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford unveiled the new 100 foot long float that will join the Art Van-sponsored America’s Thanksgiving Parade to hundreds of Ford Motor Company employees.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry Ford the float contains a giant birthday cake and a huge likeness of Henry Ford himself. Also on board are a Ford Focus, a globe and six large screens that showcase the accomplishments and world contributions made by Ford Volunteer Corps members and Ford Motor Company.
The Thanksgiving Parade will be held in Detroit on Thursday morning and is one of the longest-running and largest parades in the country.
Riding on the float will be Henry Ford’s great-great-granddaughter, Elena Ford. She is the vice president for Ford global dealer and consumer experience, while forty Ford Volunteer Corps members walk alongside the float.
“Henry Ford and his legacy helped shape our region – and the world. We appreciate what Ford Motor Company continues to provide for our community,” stated Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company, who are putting on the parade.
Besides this float over 40 Ford cars and trucks will be seen in the parade carrying celebrities and pulling floats, since Ford is the official vehicle of the parade.
The parade begins at 8:45am on Thursday near the DIA at Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street. Also see it on WDIV-TV and WJR-AM. The first hour will be broadcast around the US in 140 markets.
