The Blossoms of Southern Grace — Mobile Azalea Trail Maids Shine at the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Each Thanksgiving morning, along Chicago’s State Street, a swirl of pastel gowns glides into view—announcing the arrival of the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids, one of the South’s most iconic and enduring symbols of grace, hospitality, and civic pride. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, these fifty young women serve as official ambassadors for their city, representing a blend of history, charm, and service that has captivated audiences nationwide. Their participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a beloved annual tradition, bringing Southern elegance to the heart of the Midwest.
The Azalea Trail Maids date back to the early 1950s, when the Mobile Junior Chamber of Commerce (the Jaycees) sought to create living symbols of the city’s famous azalea blossoms. The first Trail Maids appeared in 1951, chosen to embody the beauty, poise, and hospitality that define Mobile’s cultural heritage. Over time, the program evolved into one of the most selective and respected youth ambassador programs in the country—where charm meets civic engagement and service meets scholarship.
Each Trail Maid wears a breathtaking antebellum-style gown, carefully designed in one of five colors: pink, blue, yellow, green, or lavender. These hues aren’t just aesthetic—they symbolize the qualities each young woman strives to uphold. Pink represents compassion and grace and is only worn by the Queen of the Trail Maids. Blue reflects loyalty and serenity, yellow embodies optimism and warmth, green signifies growth and harmony, and lavender expresses creativity and dignity. Together, they form a living bouquet that celebrates both individual excellence and collective unity.
Becoming a Trail Maid is an honor achieved through dedication and merit. Each spring, hundreds of high school senior girls from Mobile County apply, enduring a rigorous selection process that evaluates academics, community involvement, poise, and public speaking. Only fifty are chosen.
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade presented by Forvis Mazars airs Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST. Viewers can tune in live on Pluto TV’s “Holiday Channel” and “Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Channel” locally on CBS 2 Chicago and via YouTube on the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Channel. Join the celebration in person along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
About the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade presented by Forvis Mazars
Celebrating more than 90 years of tradition, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade brings together a dazzling mix of floats, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural performers, celebrities, and giant balloons, uniting generations of families in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Parade is made possible by the work of generous volunteers and incredible marketing partners including: Forvis Mazars, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, CDOne Price Cleaners, Setna IO, Billy Goat Tavern, CANTV, Dude Wipes, HI USA, Jewel-Osco, CBS Chicago, Kinsale Contracting Group, Inc, 93.9 LITE FM, 103.5 KISS FM, Inspiration 1390, Staypineapple, V103, Rock 95.5 and 107.5 WGCI.
