Parker Pride Foundation, in partnership with the City of Highland Park and Rehab Highland Park, will present its annual Michigan Week Parade on Saturday, May 16, 2026, beginning at 12 p.m.
The parade, featuring the Detroit Pistons Drumline, marching bands, floats, community groups, and more, will start at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Manchester Street, proceed south, and end at Monterey Park (Hamilton and Elmhurst). At Monterey Park, the afternoon will feature fun-filled events for adults, children, and families, including games, activities, music, entertainment, food, information kiosks, and more. The free event will end at 4:00 p.m.
Legendary Detroit comedian and radio personality, and native Highland Parker, Coco will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Coco will also be celebrated at Monterey Park, where she will salute fallen comics and other dignitaries with Highland Park roots.
“The Michigan Week Parade is a cherished tradition that celebrates the spirit and resilience of our city and state,” said Sydney Spight, founder and president of the Parker Pride Foundation. “In celebration, we want people to know that Highland Park has a proud history. Even if you are not from Highland Park, please come out for a day of fun and celebration.”
Spight adds that on the day of the parade, starting at 9:00 a.m., Forgotten Harvest will be giving away food until it runs out.”
Launched in May 1954, Michigan Week has been a time for cities and towns to celebrate the state and their own rich histories and contributions to making it special. In Highland Park, residents, communities, and businesses celebrate the city’s historical roots. The city is the birthplace of the Ford Model T, which was manufactured on the world’s first auto assembly line in 1908. Highland Park was also once home to Chrysler Corp.’s world headquarters.
Parker Pride Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created by Spight to empower Highland Park residents, communities, and city schools under the banner “Bringing Life Back to a City That Once Thrived.”
“Our city is not as large as it once was, but we still have plenty of Highland Park pride here,” Spight said. “By celebrating Michigan Week, we want people to come out for a day of celebration, unity, and HP love and pride.
For more information about Highland Park’s Annual Michigan Week Parade, contact Sydney Spight at 248.228.6369.
