Art Van Furniture is Presenting Sponsor of America's Thanksgiving Parade

Grosse Pointe Shores resident Art Van Elslander took part in a press conference Thursday for the announcement of Art Van Furniture becoming the presenting sponsor of America’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture, was joined by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, and Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, at the press conference for the announcement.

“Art Van Furniture as our presenting sponsor is an amazing moment in The Parade Company’s history,” said Michaels in a release. “Art Van Elslander has been a significant supporter of the parade for more than two decades and he is a cherished member of The Parade Company family. We are thrilled about our partnership with Art Van Furniture and the many companies and individuals who make this Detroit jewel possible every year.” 

This November, the event will now be known as America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van Furniture.

“This is our way of thanking all of the Michigan families who have supported Art Van Furniture for nearly six decades,” said Van Elslander in a release. “We hope that when people line up on Woodward Avenue this year, the entire country will see how much we all believe in the parade, the city of Detroit, and in creating lasting memories for children and families.” 

Additionally, Michaels announced eight new floats to be unveiled this parade season and an extended route for the parade. The iconic parade will now travel more than two miles, with step-off at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Kirby adjacent to the Detroit Institute of Arts in Midtown and it will end south of Campus Martius Park at Congress, according to a release.