Performers rehearse for 'Parade of Unity' at 6abc ahead of Thanksgiving day parade
After a few years of sacrifices for safety, performers say they're ready to put on a show.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's a tradition coming back bigger than ever!
The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade will be back on the parkway to kick off the holidays, but first, performers polished their acts in the Action News parking lot.
"We've had such a hard couple years, and it's a nice way to come together safely, social distance with all of the guidelines in place, and say, 'Let's all come together. Let's be as one on this Thanksgiving and kick off the holiday season united as one real city of Philadelphia,'" said creative producer Chally Rowjohn.
Rowjohn coordinated the Parade of Unity and put-together rehearsal.
This year's celebration will include different communities to give them their chance to shine.
"Obviously, we're a city made up of all different ethnicities. We're all in this together and for it to be called the Thanksgiving Day Parade of Unity is just perfect," said communication consultant Gary Shepherd for the Pennsylvania Juneteenth Initiative.
The parade will feature performances usually seen in the Juneteenth, St. Patrick's Day, Puerto Rican, Veteran's Day, and Pride parades.
"I think people need it. People are really looking for something to celebrate, and this is a way to come together in a celebration that we're used to but in a different way," said Joe Buches from Philadelphia Gay Men's Choir.
After a few years of sacrifices for safety, performers say they're ready to put on a show.
"Zoom is not as fun, no, definitely in person is way better, but at least it gave the kids a way to connect and see each other on the computer and still continue to dance," said Sheila Sweeny, director of the McCade-Cara and Coyle Schools Of Irish Dancers.
The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on 6abc Thanksgiving morning.
