First thing you need to know about the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade:
scoop has a Friends & Family discount for $5 off one ticket for Front Row Seating. See below!
General Things You Need to Know About the Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Time: Thursday, November 26, Uptown Charlotte, 9:30 a.m. Start Time
The Route: Tryon Street from Stonewall to 9th, Moving North
Getting There: Tryon Street and cross streets will close to traffic after 6:00 a.m. so plan your route accordingly.
BEST BET: The LYNX Blue Line will run a normal schedule with stops one block from the parade.
Where to Park: Ample paid parking is located throughout Center City in decks and lots, and prices will vary by location. Avoid parking issues by riding public transportation. The LYNX Blue Line will run a normal schedule with stops one block from the parade.
There’s Even An App: Download the mobile Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade app to make this year’s parade experience better than ever. Use the app to learn about performers, bands, and floats; to see maps of the parade route; and to interact with social media.
The 2015 Thanksgiving Day Parade is better than ever: Enjoy high school, college and community marching bands performing alongside new, larger-than-life floats, snow globes and “Segwalloons,” unique balloons wrapped around Segways.
Special Parade Appearances Include:
Grand Marshal
Richard Petty
North Carolina native Richard Petty won a record 200 races during his 35-year NASCAR career. Known as “The King,” Petty was an inaugural member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor.Benton Blount
Benton Blount (Greenville SC) was a finalist on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent on NBC.Beth Spangler
Beth is a pop singer from Aiken, S.C. She performed on Season 7 of NBC’s The Voice.Mountain Faith Band
This five-member bluegrass band hails from Sylva, N.C., and appeared on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent.Miss North Carolina
Kate Peacock
Originally from Spivey’s Corner, N.C., Kate is a student at Meredith College in Raleigh.Miss South Carolina
Daja Dial
A Spartanburg, S.C., native, Daja is a student at Clemson University.
Scoop’s Pick for The Best Parade Viewing
As a native New Orleanian, I’ve watched parades from every possible angle, structure and position. On shoulders, banging on the side of the float so my husband sees me. On the float myself, scanning the masses for my friends and family. (So much harder than you can ever imagine). As a child in the ladder seats. As a mom on the ladder, protecting the baby’s face from bead hurlers. As a teenager and a college kid, barely looking at the parade, but having a fabulous time.
Let me tell you, in parade viewing nirvana, there is nothing to compare to a reserved seat with a front row view.
Yeah, that’s the ticket. Get a ticket.
Skip the crowds and the standing waiting. Buy a $15 Ticket for Reserved Seating. Reserved seating is available along the parade route. Seats are $15 each and are available through the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade app or at Crowntickets.com. Use the code FF2015 for $5 off one $15 reserved front row seat. (discount not available on the bleacher seats).,
If you are taking the grandparents & relatives, buy a few seats for the elders’ comfort for sure.
Front Row Parade Seating AND Turkey Dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s
Want a front row seat PLUS a warm place to enjoy pre and post parade libations and your Thanksgiving meal?
The VIP Dining program Landry Select Club members will receive a complimentary Front Row Reserved Seating ticket (a $15 value) with their Thanksgiving Day Reservations at Uptown Charlotte McCormick and Schmick’s. (The Landry Select Club has a one-time, non-refundable $25 Membership Fee, but you get a $25 reward for joining).
During the Parade you can duck into the restaurant for coffee and hot chocolate and warm up for a minute (that’s code speak for use the restroom). After the parade, you’ll enjoy a Turkey Dinner $24.99 with $9.99 kids meals. (Seating limited and some restrictions may apply).
Not a member? Stop into the Uptown location to purchase your card or sign-up HERE. Then call to make your Thanksgiving Day Reservations asap.
