Mayor de Blasio Announces ‘Hometown Heroes’ Ticker Tape Parade to Thank Essential Workers and Celebrate New York City’s Return

NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced ‘Hometown Heroes,’ a ticker tape parade celebrating the Summer of New York City and thanking the essential workers who uplifted New Yorkers through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade, which will take place at 11:00 A.M. on July 7, 2021, will begin by Manhattan’s Battery Park, travel along the Canyon of Heroes, and end with a ceremony in City Hall Park.

“We can never thank our essential workers enough for all they’ve done for this city. But we can celebrate their heroism in our streets – and put on a safe, dynamic, unforgettable parade to show our appreciation,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Thanks to these essential workers, we’ve fought back COVID-19 and we’re on our way to building a recovery for all of us. I can’t wait to march alongside them.”

“Over the course of 125 years, New Yorkers of all stripes have honored our hometown sports teams, world leaders, military veterans and astronauts, and to celebrate achievements in athletics, exploration, aviation and science. On behalf of all City agencies, it is our distinct honor to celebrate those New Yorkers who guided us through the darkest days of the pandemic,” said Dan Gross, Executive Director of Citywide Events.

“These individuals held our city together during one of its darkest hours and worked tirelessly to help New Yorkers through the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot thank them enough for their sacrifice, but that’s not going to stop us from trying,” said Melissa A. Browne, Executive Director of The Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Community Events. “The ceremony will honor and celebrate the sacrifice and resilience of our frontline heroes.”

 The parade will feature a variety of different floats, each of which representing a group of essential workers who served this city heroically throughout the pandemic. Represented groups will include:

• Advocacy organizations
• City workers
• Educators
• Emergency food providers
• Faith leaders
• First responders
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality and buildings workers
• Retail and bodega workers
• Social service and settlement house workers
• Transportation workers
• Utilities workers