6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade floats make big move in South Philadelphia

Walter Perez Image
Sunday, October 1, 2017
6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade floats make big move in South Philadelphia: Walter Perez reports on Action News at 7 p.m., September 30, 2017

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Fifteen floats for the 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade were pulled on trailers from a facility in the Navy Yard to a warehouse in Southwest Philadelphia Saturday.

"All the trucks you see here are built by us, they're on hail trailers so they're very stable," said Parade Coordinator John Manhardt.

Manhardt said the bright, colorful sculptures you see on each float are actually made mostly in New Orleans and then shipped here to be assembled and then painted.

From the feast float to a giant walrus, one float has a patriotic theme and another has a little bit of rock and roll: there is something for everyone.

Every year you'll see new additions.

"There's always something new," said Manhardt. "That keeps the parade fresh."

And each and every year, the many parade volunteers are what make it such a great event.

"We have a crew of drivers, local guys that all volunteer to do it and they bring their kids and everyone has a good time," said Manhardt.

The parade started in Philadelphia back in 1920. It's the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country.

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