The Skillman Foundation

The Skillman Foundation is proud to partner with The Parade Company for the 98^th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White. For 33 years and counting, the Foundation has sponsored the creation of a float designed by a Detroit student. This year’s design contest centers around the theme of ‘Better Together.’

Students are invited to let their imaginations soar as they envision neighborhoods of people working together, celebrating kindness and community. The contest encourages any 4^th through 8th-grade student enrolled in a Detroit Public School or Detroit Charter School to envision greater futures and beautiful, loving communities. Remote learners may also participate.

Imagine a neighborhood of people working together to make it beautiful. Imagine what it would look like if we were always kind and helpful. Imagine different people coming together, hand in hand. Imagine a world where there is only love and share a design of what ‘Better Together’ looks like to you.

Six winners will be chosen. One design entry will be selected for the grand prize and will have their art made into a larger-than-life float for the 2024 America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White. The winning student, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will ride on their float down Woodward Avenue on the morning of the parade. Hotel accommodations will be provided at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center the night before. Additionally, the winner will receive a certificate for a tour of The Parade Company, followed by a pizza party for up to 10 guests. Five winners will also receive Honorable Mentions! All six winning student designers, along with their families, teachers, and principals, will be invited to attend The Parade Company’s press conference, where their drawings will be honored, and the grand prize float will be unveiled.

How to submit

Detroit students in grades 4-8 are eligible to apply.

Submissions are open until Friday, October 4, 2024.

Submissions of design drawings must be colorful and on 8.5” x 11” paper. Licensed characters such as Disney or Nickelodeon characters will not be accepted.

Submissions can be emailed or mailed.

• Email: Attach a clear photo of the student’s hand-drawn design, with the below information, to: aavig@theparade.org.
• Mail: Drawings can be mailed directly to the following address:

Skillman Float Design Contest
The Parade Company
9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A
Detroit, Michigan 48211

Submissions must be accompanied by the following information:

• Student name
• Grade
• Age
• School or program name
• School or program address
• Contact person name
• Contact person’s e-mail address
• Contact person’s phone number
• Title of float design

Questions?

Contact Amber Avig at aavig@theparade.org.