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Detroit knows how to celebrate Thanksgiving Day by Frank Kwarcinski
Throughout history, some things come more naturally to the city of Detroit than others. For instance, the creation of barrel-aged Vernors® had its humble beginnings in the state of Michigan right after the Civil War. Soon after its invention, a company was formed in Detroit so that this beverage could compete against the other drinks of its time. The simple
perfection of Better Made Potato Chips® is also a testament
to Detroit’s ability to make a
product better than ever before. The salty snack has accompanied
the ginger ale as a native Detroit combo for the past 70 years. Further evidence of the city’s ingenuity can
also be found surrounding some of the nation’s biggest events.
The city boasts of holding one of the largest firework shows in all
of North America every year in partnership with the International Freedom
Festival for the 4th of July. Then there's the North
American Auto Show. These events constitute spectacles that millions
enjoy annually. But the event that stands out the most, the Detroit
traditional that matters most is the one that involves a
day of feasting, a day to take note of everything we have, a day to
celebrate with the ones who have always been there for us, a day known
as Thanksgiving. For some reason, the city of Detroit is the only American
city that truly understands how to celebrate the November holiday. The initial start to turkey day is different for every Detroiter, depending on how they wish to tackle the day’s festivities. If you’re graced with the honor of entertaining family later on in the day, you’ll most likely be working hard all morning long making food. Having fun is great, but getting the most important meal of the year ready when 15 guests are expected takes precedence everything else. It isn’t easy mashing potatoes, preparing dressing and seasoning a twenty-pound bird, all the while cleaning a house for inspection by the relatives. For runners, the big activity on Thanksgiving Day
is the timeless Turkey Trot. The 10K race has been around for 24 years,
joined recently by the Stuffing Strut and the Mashed Potato Mile. This
trio of races allows runners to experience the holiday spirit of Detroit. Those who aren't tied down cooking or runniing can
venture down to the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Woodward and Mack Avenues.
This year's event is the 80th time the parade
route has wound its way through the city. The only other comparable
event is the Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade. The actual parade showcases some of the nation’s
best floats, balloons and high school bands the state of Michigan
has to offer. Staples of the parade in years past have included the
Nutcracker, the Rainbow Fish, Paul Bunyan coinciding with Babe the
Blue Ox, the Detroit All-City Marching Band, the Old Lady Who Lived
in the Shoe and, of course, Mother Goose—the
float that led off the original Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924. Not
to mention the Fred Hill Briefcase Team that has
become a fan favorite in recent years. Unfortunately for the parade, all good things
must come to an end. The sight of Santa’s sleigh signifies the
conclusion of the parade, which is usually the best part for the younger
kids in the crowd. However, everyone watching can appreciate and take
part in the appearance of St. Nicholas. Knowing that he is the last
to arrive, they have had to fight off the bitter cold and wind for
hours just to get a glimpse of his jolly face and big round belly.
St. Nick gives his “ho-ho-ho” and
his “Merry Christmas” right before the mayor of the Detroit
(Kwame M. Kilpatrick) hands him the key to the city. It would be impossible
not to applaud such a classy move by the Motor City. Lions Thanksgiving Day Game 2003 After the duration of the parade, the immediate
focus is shifted over to Detroit Lion’s pre-game talk, as the team prepares for one
of its only nationally televised games of the year. It does not matter
what record the team has, or how good the opponent is, rather it’s
about the energy the Lion’s are going to bring to the field. To
the people of Detroit it almost feels as if football has never left
Thanksgiving Day’s side, seeing as it has been linked to the day
since 1934. The Lions have the most games played on Thanksgiving with
the next closest team being the Dallas Cowboys, who started playing
on the sacred Thursday in 1966. Thanksgiving truly begins to take place right
after the game, when families arrive at their relatives’ homes
to take part in the feast. The slicing of the turkey marks the commencement
of the meal, with the conclusion being the final spay of whipped cream
on the last piece of pumpkin pie. The talking and laughter between
family members carries on into the night until the little ones begin
to nod off to sleep. The guests eventually say their good-byes before
the house becomes empty once again. The best way to the end the day is to grab
a comfortable seat and relax while watching a classic Thanksgiving
Day flick, such as National Lampoon’s
Christmas. Catching some random marathon that will run throughout the
entire weekend isn’t too bad of an option either. Maybe it’s
just me, but something about the way Detroit does Thanksgiving just
makes me smile. It’s the feeling that I have witnessed a whole
day’s worth of events put on by the great city of Detroit, and
that I did with my family being right beside me. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy one of the best days Detroit has to offer.
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