Final preparations underway for 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's almost time for a Philadelphia tradition!
We are just minutes away from the 106th 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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Hundreds of performers, volunteers, crew and production teams have been preparing behind the scenes so it all goes smoothly.
Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Alicia Vitarelli and Karen Rogers will be joined by GMA's Sam Champion and the always-entertaining Carson Kressley for a morning of holiday fun.
Among the musical guests making appearances at the parade are Jordin Sparks, the Four Tops, Bianca Ryan, David Archuleta, Gabby Samone, Asher HaVon, Quad City DJ's, and Cameo.
The parade will feature 14 larger-than-life helium balloons, 1,000 singers and dancers, over 30 musical performances and nearly a dozen marching bands from all over the country.
Once again, musicals from Ensemble Arts Philly Broadway Series will take center stage in front of the Art Museum, including Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, Back to the Future, and Shucked.
There will be special performance locations for the marching bands this year to make the experience better for street spectators.
"There's various intersections where they will stop for 2 1/2 minutes, perform for the audience, continue marching, and then another marching band performs, so we tried to up the level of entertainment for spectators," said co-producer Todd Marcocci.
How to Watch Live
You can watch the parade live on Thanksgiving morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. on 6abc or wherever you stream.
Parade Forecast
Wind chills throughout the day will be at or just slightly above freezing with winds gusting to 30 mph.
Due to the expected conditions, the balloons will be inflated closer to Eakins Oval.
Parade Route
The parade begins at 20th and JFK Boulevard, turns left on 16th Street to the Ben Franklin Parkway. The parade turns left on the Parkway to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Idol Reunion
The parade will bring together some "American Idol: alums.
READ MORE | Meet the creative team behind the 106th 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade
"We're starting with an 'American Idol' reunion," says creative producer Chally Rowjohn. "We have Gabby Samone from this season. We have David Archuleta, and we have season 6 winner, Jordin Sparks. They're all singing holiday hits to help you feel the holiday magic spirit of the season."
Spark will perform her new holiday song for the first time. "'Secret Santa' is upbeat," Sparks said. "You can dance around the tree to it."
Click here to see a full list of parade guests.
