What time does the El Paso Thanksgiving Parade start? Details to know about Sun Bowl event
This year, the 87th Annual Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade will honor the Rock' n' Roll era and will most likely include an Elvis Presley sighting.
The annual parade is a tradition for thousands of people who start their Thanksgiving morning waving and cheering on beautiful floats, high school marching bands, El Maida Shrine clowns and other participants.
"It's the most attended event El Paso has with close to 200,000 people that show up," said Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl Association Executive Director. "The bar has been set and I think we try to raise the bar a little bit each year."
The parade will have 18 to 20 floats; some noteworthy ones to look out for will include a float honoring U.S. veterans. Many veterans also worked on the floats this year, Olivas said.
Here is what to know about the Thanksgiving parade:
El Paso Thanksgiving Parade 2023 route
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Montana and Ochoa Streets and proceeds on Montana Avenue until it gets to Copia Street, where it tails off. Families, however, start arriving and parking near the parade route before 8 a.m. to get a good spot.
History of Sun Bowl Thanksgiving parade
The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the first parade in 1935 and it has become a family tradition for thousands of El Paso families over the years. The parade was held on New Year's Day until 1978. The Sun Bowl Association made the switch to a Thanksgiving Day celebration in 1978 and that has been the tradition ever since.
Where to watch El Paso Thanksgiving parade on TV
Live coverage of the parade on local affiliate Channel 9-KTSM will start at 10 a.m. and will be simulcast on KTSM.com.
Who will be the grand marshal of 2023 Thanksgiving parade
The grand marshal will be Tuff Hedeman, a four-time world champion and Pro Rodeo Hall-of-Fame Bull Rider.
Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl Association Executive Director, said the association tries to honor someone from El Paso who has accomplished something great, even if it doesn't coincide with the theme, which is Rock n Roll Extravaganza.
Tuff Hedeman is arguably the most recognized cowboy in the world and a living legend, organizers said.
Hedeman was born in El Paso and won many junior rodeos in his youth. In 1980, he won the high school rodeo bull riding and All-Around titles in New Mexico. He won the team roping title and All-Around designation again in 1981. After high school, he attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. At Sul Ross, he was a member of the rodeo team, competing in bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding, according to the news release.
Get tickets for El Paso Thanksgiving 2023 parade review stands
For the best seats, make sure to get the $10 tickets for the review stand, located at 1600 Montana Ave. The tickets also provide access to portable restrooms. Tickets are available in advance at any Vista market store or the Sun Bowl Association Office, 4150 Pinnacle St., Suite 100. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be available on the day of the parade.
For those who like to park their cars or recreational vehicles a day before the parade, note that cars will not be able to block intersections along Montana Avenue and side streets. They could be towed.
More: WinterFest 2023 kicks off with ice skating rink, holiday Lights Parade in Downtown El Paso
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Thanksgiving parade 2023: Details to know about holiday event
