The Parade Company is proud to celebrate the 2025 Distinguished Clown Corps® presented by Emagine Entertainment!! This elite group of community and business leaders are positively impacting the lives of the Detroit region on Thanksgiving morning, and their support ensures the tradition of the 99th America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White, continues its legacy.
Each Parade represents memories and traditions that touch people from all walks of life in our diverse metropolitan area providing miles of smiles along historic Woodward Avenue. The Distinguished Clown Corps® presented by Emagine Entertainment has been a shining jewel of the Parade for over 40 years.
It all began with business leaders Tom Adams, then chief executive of Campbell-Ewald, and Walter McCarthy, then chief executive of Detroit Edison, who served as the spark in creating a way for leadership to become personally involved with The Parade Company. Over 2,000 Distinguished Clowns have touched the hearts of millions as they make their annual appearance – passing out the beloved beads and smiles that create magic and memories for so many.
New member enrollment will open August 1st!! Please contact Caitlyn at celenz@theparade.org for more information on how to become a Distinguished Clown in 2025!!
Annual Membership Benefits
- Engage with 200+ community and business leaders for an exclusive Thanksgiving experience including a private breakfast and grandstand section
- Work hand in hand with our Director of Costuming to design a one-of-a-kind custom clown costume (new costumes provided every five years)
- Invitation to the Distinguished Grand Jester’s Reception and the opportunity to network with current and potential new members
- Invitation to The Parade Company’s annual Pancake Breakfast presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, attended by 800+ distinguished business leaders
- Exclusive pre-sale offers to premiere Parade Company fundraisers
- Additional opportunities to represent the Distinguished Clowns in the community
- $500 of each $1,000 Distinguished Clown membership may be deducted as a contribution to the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3
