Watch CBS News

Thousands Line Parkway For Philadelphia's 96th Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Dan Wing, Rahel Solomon  

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Thousands of people got their holiday started the way people in the Philadelphia area have been for almost 100-years now, by taking in the 96th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A chilly morning gave way to a warm and sunny day adding to the good feelings shared by the thousands of people that lined the Ben Franklin Parkway, enjoying the marching bands, floats and other entertainers. Many people, like Norbert McGettighan were out before sunrise to stake out the best spots. He's been coming out for 20-years, and says his group has grown quiet a bit.

"Began with one tent, now we're up to five tents," McGettighan said. "So, it increases every year. We get a lot of coworkers, a lot of family, a lot of friends, some clients. So it's real fun, it's a great way to start off the Thanksgiving Holiday."

This year's parade will be extra special for John and Amy. That's because John proposed, completely catching Amy off guard.

"I had no idea," she said. "I kind of blacked out. I was not expecting it whatsoever, but overly happy."

John said he chose the parade because the couple first started dating on Thanksgiving six years ago.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.