Here’s everything you need to know about Charlotte’s Thanksgiving parade

One of Charlotte’s longest running holiday traditions will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, when the 70th annual Charlotte Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade launches at the intersection of Stonewall and South Tryon streets.

It will stretch a mile and is billed as the Southeast’s largest Thanksgiving parade, with 100,000 watchers along the route last year and a home audience of 1.5 million watching on TV. In 2012, it was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Thanksgiving Day Parades.

This year, the lineup includes marching bands, floats, dance teams, balloons, specialty vehicles, balloons and puppeteers. Highlights include the participation of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Atlanta’s Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Lexi Walker and the parade’s first self-propelled float.

Here’s everything you need to know:

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Skies will be party cloudy, winds 5 to 10 mph, and the high for the day will be around 52 degrees. Bring extra clothes, scarfs and mittens, and make sure your phone is charged.

CAN I BUY A TICKET FOR RESERVED SEATING?

Yes. You can purchase tickets via the mobile app or online. guidebook.com/app/CLTParade.

WHERE CAN I PARK?

Parking is available around Center City with differing prices. There are eight parking garages along the route, and streetside parking is available. Organizers recommend you arrive early to find parking, because streets will be closed off and it will take longer than usual to find spaces.

IS THERE DESIGNATED SEATING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE?

There is no designated handicapped seating along the parade route. Arrive around 7 a.m. to secure a prime spot up front on the sidewalk or along a street opening.

WHAT IS THE PARADE ROUTE?

The parade will march north on Tryon Street from Stonewall Street to 9th Street. Details are at novanthealththanksgivingparade.com.

WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START?

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

WHAT STREETS WILL BE CLOSED?

▪ Hill Street between Tryon and College streets: from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 2 p.m. Thursday.

▪ Trade Street at The Square, Hill Street and Stonewall Street: Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

▪ The parade route (Tryon Street) and cross streets en route from Morehead Street to 10th Street: Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WILL THE PARADE BE ON TV?

Yes, the parade will be broadcast regionally on WBTV, Channel 3 (CBS) on Thanksgiving Day at 1 p.m. The parade will also be available for streaming at www.wbtv.com.

IS THERE AN APP?

Guests can use the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade app to learn about performers, bands and floats; to see maps of the parade route; and to interact with social media. The app is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores.

This story was originally published November 17, 2017 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Here’s everything you need to know about Charlotte’s Thanksgiving parade."