Breaking News: Charlotte’s Legendary Thanksgiving Parade Goes LIVE on WCCB!
For the first time in its 77-year history, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is introducing a fresh way for the Carolinas and beyond to engage in the tradition, joy, and magic.
Beverly Bahakel, President and CEO of WCCB (WAKA 8 Action News’ sister station in Charlotte, NC) and Bahakel Entertainment, expressed, “For the past 75 years, my family has played a significant role in Charlotte’s transformation into a beautiful metropolitan city. My father was part of the investment team that brought the Charlotte Hornets to the Queen City. Today, I am delighted to announce that our WCCB family will be broadcasting and streaming this year’s Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade.” Bahakel added, “This is my hometown. It’s our hometown, and we love serving our community. What better way to do that than to partner with Charlotte Center City Partners to welcome the holiday season with this exciting parade on WCCB!”
Thanksgiving
WAKA 8 Action News will broadcast the parade on Thursday, November 23rd, from 4 am to 6 am local time, providing various other ways to watch the parade.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WCCB team into our Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade family,” stated Robert Krumbine, Chief Creative Officer for Charlotte Center City Partners and Executive Producer of the Parade. “They bring deep experience in live production-to-live television and exceptional creativity. Celebrating this beloved tradition is something the teams at WCCB, Charlotte Center City Partners, and Novant Health value and take seriously, with the goal of producing the best Parade in its 77-year history.”
“As we prepare to celebrate the 77th annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade, I’m reminded of the rich history and traditions that the Parade brings to our community,” said Saad Ehtisham, Senior Vice President and President of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health’s Greater Charlotte Market. “We are proud of our continued partnership as the title sponsor of the Parade and look forward to kicking off a healthy holiday season!”
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade will, as always, showcase local, regional, and national talent and performers, along with the community’s favorite floats, larger-than-life balloons, marching bands, and dance units. This event makes Charlotte a destination for the Carolinas to come together and usher in the holiday season.
“We are excited about this new partnership and the next chapter for this rich tradition in Uptown Charlotte,” said Michael Smith, President and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners. “The Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the holiday season with an incredibly diverse gathering of our neighbors from across our community and region to share the magic of music, floats, and community.”
The 77th Annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade will illuminate Tryon Street on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22, at 5:45 pm. VIP seating tickets go on sale starting October 1.
