As we move past Halloween tomorrow morning, it will be time to start thinking about the next fall holiday: Thanksgiving! If you’re looking for a new tradition to start this year, have you considered a Thanksgiving parade? Holiday parades are a big deal where I grew up in Pennsylvania. While there are not as many parades like that here in Maryland, a few years ago a friend invited us to the Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade, held this year on November 5th starting at 2 PM.
They formally call it the Pasadena Thanksgiving Caring & Sharing Parade where they hope to collect non-perishable food items from attendees. My son was 4 the first time we went, and we had such a blast.
There are fun floats and firetrucks, and people throwing candy. It made me feel like I was back home. Then the pandemic happened, life got weird, and I lost touch with what events were still happening and what events weren’t. But the good news is the parade is back on this year. The parade route starts at Tick Neck Park, continues down Tick Neck Rd., turns right onto Mountain Rd., and then right on Outing Ave., ending at Northeast Middle School.
When we went, we parked near the Pizza Hut on Tick Neck Road and watched from that corner. I recommend going a little bit early to find parking somewhere and to save a seat. We easily found a place to stand and hang out so that was not an issue but parking can get crazy and eventually the police close off the surrounding roads. I also recommend bringing a bucket or bag for the kids to collect candy.
So don’t forget to bring your donation of canned goods and try out a new tradition this year with the Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade.