Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade 2018: When, How To Watch Event

CHICAGO — It's safe to say that Chicago's annual Thanksgiving Day parade doesn't have the same national recognition as its Macy's-sponsored, New York City-based counterpart. But that doesn't mean the parade hasn't built an impressive reputation while still in the shadow of a certain East Coast event.

While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a model of consistency, Chicago's event continues to be a champion for change. Originally, the event was held in December to celebrate Christmas and didn't become Thanksgiving-oriented until the beginning of the 21st century. The route also has varied over the years, shifting from State Street to Michigan Avenue and back to State Street.

Corporate sponsorship has been the New York parade's calling card, running under Macy's banner since the mid-1930s. But Chicago's parade didn't even pick up its first sponsor — McDonald's — until 1984. Over the years, a variety of companies have lent their names to the event, including Target, Marshall Field's, Brach's Confections and outdoor retailer Uncle Dan's, which is the 2018 sponsor.

RELATED: Christkindlmarket Kicks Off In Chicago

Now that you know a little about the event's history, here are the details about this year's parade.

Chicago's 85th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade 2018: The Basics

When: 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22.

Where: North along State Street, from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street.

Grand Marshal: Bugs Bunny is the grand marshal for this year's parade as part of a tie-in with the inaugural Six Flags Holiday in the Park, which runs from Friday, Nov. 23, to Monday, Dec. 31, at the Gurnee amusement park.

This isn't the first time a fictional character has held this honor. Ronald McDonald was named grand marshal for last year's parade.

Parade Highlights: More than 5,000 walking participants — 20 marching bands, 16 theatrical productions, 11 equestrian troupes, more than a dozen floats and various cultural acts, inflatables and celebrities — will take part in the event. Members from the Chicago Blackhawks and the Harlem Globetrotters, as well as performers from Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos, the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Medieval Times and the cast of "WaistWatchers The Musical!” will be marching along State Street on Thanksgiving.

The annual event wouldn't be complete without an appearance by Teddy the Turkey, the mascot who marched in his first Thanksgiving parade in 2009 and who even has his own Twitter and Facebook accounts. Plus, a bearded serial gift-giver also will be on hand. If you believe in that sort of thing.

Weather: Partly sunny, with a southeast wind of 10 to 15 mph and a high near 36 degrees, according to Thursday's forecast by the National Weather Service.

Street Closings: State Street, from Wacker Drive to Roosevelt Road, will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. The streets crossing State along this stretch also will be closed.

TV | Streaming: WGN-TV (Channel 9) will begin airing the parade in the Chicago area at 8 a.m. Nationally, WGN America will broadcast the event. | Go to WGN's website to watch a live stream of the parade.

More Info: Go to the Thanksgiving parade's website, as well as the event's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for details and updates.

The Super Grover balloon during Chicago's 2008 Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast | Associated Press)