Recap of 106th 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia

Look everyone, it's him. The spirit of the season, the one and only Santa Claus. >> A well, it's an image synonymous with the holiday season here in Philadelphia. Santa Claus arriving right there at the art museum steps. >> And that was the moment that capped the 106ABC Duncan Thanksgiving Day parade. And this year's show really had a little something for everyone. >> Yeah, the holiday season has officially begun. and Action News reporter Teronda Thomas took it all in from the 6ABC family float and she is live on Ekans Oval with more on this holiday tradition in the city. Hey Ter. >> Hey Christy and John. This was so much fun just to be out here today and I want to show you what it looks like now because shout out to the crews. This huge production, well they've almost broken all of it down now. But believe it or not, just a few short hours ago, this whole part of the Parkway was filled with people. And we met so many who say the start of Thanksgiving is not really the Thanksgiving plate. It's the parade. A grand celebration for the 6ABC Duncan Thanksgiving Day Parade's 106th year. And the Allen family has been there for 90 of those years. >> This is our 90year family tradition. My father's father would bring him here when he was a child and then my father would bring us as we were children. Continuing a tradition like so many who line the parade routes decade after decade with their loved ones while also honoring loved ones. >> Still bring pictures of siblings that are no longer here and our parents with us. >> We are here in memory of my grandfather who passed away on Father's Day. It was a tradition for us to come every year with him. >> Happy Thanksgiving. >> We come to the parade every year. >> Yeah. I'm looking to see Santa. This year's parade started out with some chilly weather, but people stayed warm by bundling up and getting down. Yes, that's a guy in a dance battle with an inflatable turkey. Pretty much sums up the parade vibe. >> It's a great vibe. It's a beautiful day. >> That spirit and cheer line the parade route, and I was lucky enough to see it firsthand on the 6ABC float with floats, balloons, celebrities, and marching bands from across the country. Crowds enjoyed the full parade experience. >> The marching bands are pretty awesome. I like the marching bands. >> I like the balloons. >> That's cool. I like the bands and stuff. >> I love the camaraderie and I love to see when Santa Claus comes. I'm a kid at heart. >> The oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in America has also become one of the oldest traditions for families in Philadelphia. >> Everyone comes together and we just all have a good time and it feels like family. It feels LIKE THANKSGIVING. >> HAPPY THANKSGIVING. AH, we're so thankful for everyone who spends their Thanksgiving morning with us right here in this area. This is where we saw celebrities like Jordan Sparks, The Four Tops, Cameo, doing their performances. And if you missed it or you want to see it again, this will be streaming soon on the 6ABC streaming app. But I cannot tell you how much fun we had out here today. Thank you to everyone who came out. It just really fills your heart to see so much love in the city of Philadelphia on Thanksgiving morning. We are live at Akens Oval. Tonda Thomas, Channel 6 Action News. Christy and John. >> I mean, a dance battle with a turkey doesn't get much better than that. >> We're also seeing unbelievable. Honestly, that screams Thanksgiving, right? >> Absolutely. Screams Philadelphia. All right, Toronto, thanks. The 6ABC Duncan Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition for so many who grew up in and around Philadelphia. And of course, that includes our mayor. >> Yeah. Today, Mayor Charel Parker shared with our Karen Rogers what this parade means to the city. the gratefulness and the thanks for us being one Philly United City. I felt that along the route and it's it's a great deal of inspiration and motivation. So, I'm feeling great. Wonderful weather. This is just a great day here in our city. I can't help myself. >> Well, those are the most unmistakable sounds of Mottown royalty. The iconic Porttops delighted the crowd with a medley of hits at today's parade. Christmas. >> This parade really had everything. American Idol alum Gabby Simone sang a rendition of What Christmas Means to Me at the parade. The performance happened on the Q102 Collia float right alongside the radio DJs Rachel Nico. And our parent company sent some familiar faces to take part in today's parade. Chip, Dale, Daisy Duck, Pluto, and Goofy all rode in the Disney gazebo float. It's all decked out with garland snow and a Mickey ear wreath.