Thanksgiving parade helps kick off holiday celebrations across Charlotte region

More than 100,000 people were expected in uptown for the annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade.

The parade kicked off under 54-degree blue skies at 9:30 a.m. Thursday along Tryon Street from Stonewall Street to 9th Street. NASCAR legend Richard Petty was the grand marshal.

Drawing particularly loud applause were the Carolina Panthers cheerleaders, the PurrCussion drumline and Panthers mascot Sir Purr, who motored along in a dune buggy-type vehicle.

Parade watcher Cecil Roebuck, 57, of Huntersville, said he was particularly impressed with the inflatables in the parade, “as well as the talent. The bands are spectacular.”

“It’s come a long way,” Roebuck said of the parade.

The parade was one of many Thanksgiving celebrations across the Charlotte area. Earlier Thursday, several Turkey Trot runs were held in the region.

Beginning at 6 a.m., volunteers at Charlotte Rescue Mission served made-to-order hot breakfast meals to about 400 people who are homeless or otherwise in need.

Soft piano music played over the speaker system to lend a more fine-dining feel to the gathering. The Rev. Tony Marciano, mission executive director, dressed in a black bow tie, white button-down shirt and black pants.

“This is about dignity, respect,” Marciano told the volunteers, urging them to take their time welcoming and talking with each guest. “It’s not a race. This is about making the love of God so real you can touch it.”

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Thanksgiving parade helps kick off holiday celebrations across Charlotte region."