CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands packed the streets of uptown Charlotte Thursday morning for the Novant Health 70th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Security was highly visible at the event, and it ended with no major problems.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police had officers staged throughout the parade route and a roving bicycle squad was ready for rapid deployment.
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Police cruisers blocked off streets in uptown Charlotte amid concerns following vehicles driving into crowds in New York City and Europe.
“Basically, providing a barrier or blockade if anyone were to attempt to drive a vehicle into the footprint of the parade route,” said Lt. Richard Stahnke, with CMPD’s special events unit.
More than 100,000 people were expected in the streets of uptown, and there were about 3,000 people working the parade.
The parade is the fourth largest in the country, and it keeps growing each year.
There were 19 floats, marching bands and dance teams, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
"Everybody loves a parade,” Steven Cole, director of communications for Charlotte Center City Partners, said. “A lot of city's parades have come and gone, but there's something about the parade for people of Charlotte in our area. I think they just love it.”
Police shut down several streets for staging and setup before the parade. Tryon Street was closed from Morehead Street to Stonewall Street and from Fourth to Fifth streets. Trade Street was shut down from Church Street to College Street.
The parade kicked off at 9:30 a.m. and ended shortly before noon.
CMPD Capt. Rod Golding said he has been a critical part of security at the event for more than 20 years, and that the department is always thinking of better ways to keep people safe.
“After each event, we will have a debrief to say what went wrong, what went right,” Golding said. “We will keep those notes for next year.”
Channel 9 was told that some roads remained blocked after the parade ended so crews could clean up.
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