DETROIT — The Parade Co. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan unveiled a new float themed “Path of Confidence” today during the 14th Annual VIP Pancake Breakfast presented by Blue Cross. Tony Michaels, president & CEO of The Parade Co. and Daniel J. Loepp, president & CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, unveiled the large-scaled, colorful float live during this popular event surrounded by Detroit area business and government leaders.
With five sections measuring 124 feet long and 16 feet tall, “Path of Confidence” float depicts the many stages of a person’s life crafted in a fun, creative and vibrant way. Built at The Parade Co. studio, the float’s unique features include the USS What A Life — a 20-foot long cruise liner complete with animated Captain, a spinning soccer field, swinging baby and stork as well as a 12-foot tall wedding cake that would take over 600 cans of frosting to cover.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plays a vital role in the growth of our community and in the lives of many parade goers,” said Michaels. “It is a privilege to highlight the important work they do and the ways in which they touch the lives of so many,” Michaels said.
“We’re proud to be part of an American tradition right here in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, and we’re excited to share this beautiful float with everyone, whether they are at the parade or watching from home,” Loepp said. “When your float is 124-feet long, there’s room to tell a good story and ours is a great one. Life’s a journey and no matter where people are at or what changes they are going through along the way, they can count on their Blue Cross coverage. They can count on access and quality, and they can count on the Blues to be there when they need us.”
Themed “Downtown Our Town,” America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van will step-off at its new location this year at Woodward and Kirby, adjacent to the Detroit Institute of Arts and march nearly three miles down Woodward Avenue past notable Detroit landmarks including Detroit Public Library, the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, Grand Circus Park and Campus Martius.
Recognized as one of the best Thanksgiving parades in the country by U.S, News & World Report Travel, the two-hour parade will be featured on WDIV-TV Local 4, including a one-hour national broadcast reaching more than 140 major cities across the country. News/Talk 760 WJR will also broadcast live from the parade route.