HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the details of the 73rd annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.
The parade’s 2022 Grand Marshal Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson along with Mayor Turner, honored guest 2021 Grand Marshal, Dr. Peter Hotez, and H-E-B will lead the parade on the iconic Tom Turkey float.
50 Cent, one of Houston’s newest residents, is known as one of the world’s best-selling rappers with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide with three Emmy’s, a Grammy, 13 Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards to name a few. He has carved out a thriving, award-winning television and film career as both a best-in-class producer and star. Since landing in Houston, he has immersed himself in fostering leadership skills in young people in the Houston community in addition to supporting the NAACP Toy Drive, Houston’s Christmas Eve Super Feast, the Houston Symphony, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Most recently his G-Unity foundation jumpstarted a new business program for Houston Independent School District high schools — Kashmere, Worthing and Wheatley. The G-Unity Business Lab in partnership with Horizon United offers the chance to learn core business values and teaches practical skills with input from area business leaders, corporations and visiting professors, including Jackson.
Dr. Peter Hotez, Professor and Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor and Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development will join 50 Cent on the Grand Marsha float. Dr. Hotez, 2021 parade grand marshal, is an internationally recognized physician-scientist and one of the most trusted medical figures of our time. He has been a reliable expert in communicating clear messaging about the ongoing pandemic in an environment that is full of confusing and misleading information. His leadership and enthusiasm in vaccine research is unsurpassed.
“As we celebrate our blessings this year, let us reflect on Houston as a vibrant and welcoming global city that values diversity and inclusion. This year’s Thanksgiving Day parade will highlight some of the most incredible talent, floats, and marching bands in the history of the parade,” said Turner. “We are thrilled to host this wonderful tradition downtown again, and I look forward to seeing smiles on the faces of children and adults enjoying the parade made possible by our wonderful sponsors.”
The 73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. in downtown Houston. The parade will include a special performance by local rapper Bun B, who made history at the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with his H-Town Takeover. Additional acts will include Theatre Under the Stars’ (TUTS) Mary Poppins coming to Houston in December and the iconic Apache Belles celebrating their 75th anniversary and 26 years of participating in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fans will also enjoy 20 high-flying balloons and 14 floats, including the famous Tom Turkey and Santa Claus. Furthermore, the parade will feature high-stepping marching bands, drill teams, musical performances, and more!
“Whether it’s leading a fantastic parade through downtown, sharing with those in need during challenging times or filling holiday tables with the freshest and most flavorful foods available, H-E-B is thankful for the privilege to celebrate with our fellow Houstonians and continue this holiday tradition,” said Lisa Helfman, Senior Director of H-E-B Public Affairs, Houston.
Houston’s inaugural Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949 when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s department store. Today, the annual parade is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. It will begin on Smith at Lamar, head north to Walker, east to Milam, south to Pease, west to Louisiana, north to Clay, west to Smith, and north ending at Smith and Dallas.
The 73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is free and open to the public. A limited number of premium seats are available and can be purchased at houstonthanksgivingparade.org for $28.25 each, including the service fee. Curbside space along the route for lawn chairs and blankets will be plentiful. Easy access parking is available along the route, and Metro buses will be running on a holiday schedule. For route and schedule information, please visit www.ridemetro.org.
WATCH: Mayor Turner announces 50 Cent as Grand Marshal