We need 1,000 volunteers to produce the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Where Thankful Hearts Gather. The one thing better than volunteering is volunteering with friends and family members. We do our best to honor all group requests, and the best way to get paired with a group to apply today!
Below, we list some of the best volunteer positions to work with as a group. Please note that you must be at least 12 years old to volunteer for the positions listed.
Banner Carriers
Bannier carriers are paired off in twos and walk in the parade with a sponsor or unit banner.  If you have more than two people, we’ll line you up in order (your friends will be carrying the banner(s) behind you).
Staging or Disband
Your group of 2-4 people will help organize our parade units in the staging area (beginning of the parade) or help direct units to disband (end of the parade).  You truly will work as a team to efficiently manage our performance groups.

Poo Crew
Your group of 3-4 people can dress up, decorate your poo bin, and make sure nobody steps in “it.” These volunteers get the largest cheers, and at the same time, you can encourage spectators to cheer louder. Do it right, and this will be the most fun you’ve ever had on Thanksgiving!

Give Back to the Community this Thanksgiving – Help Provide 3 Hours of Family Entertainment to TV Viewers Across the Country

Every volunteer role is important, as each role is vital to our goal of creating smiles across the nation – right from State Street in Downtown Chicago. Find out more about our volunteer positions by clicking here.

Application Deadline is October 15

Apply now!

Each individual volunteer must fill out his/her own application to be considered. Each applicant must have their own e-mail address. Applicants can no longer have multiple people under one e-mail address. CFA Events cannot guarantee that groups will be assigned to the same volunteer position, but will try our best to fulfill requests. You must be in good health to participate. Volunteers may be required to walk in excess of 2 miles.All volunteer applicants must be at least 12 years of age as of Wednesday, November 21, 2018. To be a balloon handler or a part of VIP/Hospitality on Parade Day, you must be at least 18 years of age as of Wednesday, November 21, 2018.