Children spending Thanksgiving week at Children's of Alabama got an early dose of holiday spirit as the hospital staged its annual Pre-Thanksgiving Day Parade last Tuesday, turning inpatient units into a festive route filled with color and music.

Balloons and themed floats rolled past patient rooms as therapy dogs and other four-legged companions followed alongside hospital staff and volunteers. Patients unable to stand at their doorways watched the event through the hospital's closed-circuit television system, which carried a full broadcast of the procession according to a news release.

This year's parade included appearances from CBS 42 morning anchor Andrea Lindenberg along with prerecorded greetings and performances from the Alabama Ballet, the Birmingham Squadron, the Birmingham Children's Theatre, the Phi Mu Alpha Zeta Chapter at the University of Alabama and the men's and women's hockey teams at the university. Hospital leaders said the virtual lineup helped ensure every patient could experience the event, even those unable to leave their rooms.

The parade has become a beloved tradition at the pediatric medical center, offering families a brief break from treatment during a week often centered on gathering and gratitude. Children's credited its staff and community partners along with Walmart and Sam's Club locations across Alabama for helping make the celebration possible again this year, noting that outside support keeps the long-running event moving forward for young patients who cannot be home for the holiday.