MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Maryland (DC News Now) — One of the largest Thanksgiving parades in the Washington, DC area is preparing to fill the streets of downtown Silver Spring.

On Saturday, November 16, the annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will begin at 10 a.m. and feature marching bands, community floats, County Council members, an appearance by County Executive Marc Elrich, and more .

The parade will begin at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and march south on Georgia Avenue before ending at Silver Spring Avenue.

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Elrich said the parade brings the community together and kicks off the Christmas season.

“This year, we are excited to welcome local Olympians, talented artists and our dedicated community groups to make the day even more special. This parade highlights the diversity and vibrancy we love about Montgomery County. It’s always fun to see so many people on the streets of Silver Spring,” Elrich said.

Organizers said attendees can expect a festive lineup of more than 150 units. From vibrant floats to mascots and live performances, there will be holiday characters including dogs, Hannukah bears, reindeer and, of course, Santa himself.

“Thanksgiving reminds each of us to be grateful for the blessings and freedoms we enjoy, as well as the responsibility we all share to give back and serve the residents of our diverse community. “Council appreciates the hard work of Montgomery County government employees and volunteers who help organize and execute this family-friendly event to help improve our community each year,” said Council President Andrew Friedson.

Road closures

To accommodate the parade route, several roads will be closed throughout Silver Spring. Starting at 6 in the morning. At 1 pm on November 16, the following roads will be closed to traffic:

• Northbound and southbound lanes of Georgia Avenue, from the East-West Highway to Colesville Road

• Cedar Street between Colesville Road and Wayne Avenue

• Pershing Drive from Cedar Street to Veterans Place

• Veterans Place from Pershing Drive to Ellsworth Drive

• Ellsworth Drive from Georgia Avenue to Cedar Street

• Roeder Road from Fenton Street to Cedar Street

• Fenton Street from Cameron Street to Wayne Avenue

• Wayne Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street

• Bonifant Street from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street

• Thayer Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street

• Silver Spring Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street

Public parking will be available in the garages on Silgo Avenue, Cameron Street and Bonifant Street. The Ellsworth Town Center garage will close to the public at 2 a.m. Saturday.

Attendees are encouraged to take the Metro Red Line to the Silver Spring Station for easy access to the parade route.

For more information about the event, click here.

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