There will not be a 2020 Turkey Day Classic Parade. COVID-19 derailed the annual tradition
The parade, which has celebrated Thanksgiving and Alabama State University football since the 1940s, won’t be held in downtown this November
October 20, 2020
An almost 80-year Thanksgiving tradition in Montgomery has been put on pause for 2020.
Alabama State University won’t hold a downtown parade in November.
“As of right now, the university is not planning on having the Turkey Day Classic Parade due to COVID-19 protocols,” said Ken Mullinax, ASU’s director of media relations and public information.
According to a history of the event on ASU’s website, the Turkey Day Classic Parade began in the 1940s as a way to increase attendance at the annual Turkey Day Classic football game. Those early parades took place through the school’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The parade has grown into an event that draws in thousands of participants and viewers, and was moved downtown to the Capitol area and Dexter Avenue.
ASU’s football team is part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). In July, it was announced that the SWAC’s entire fall football schedule would be postponed for 2020.
Montgomery officials have not announced alternative plans.
