Saturday, Nov 7, 2026
52 Weeks of Firsts: Firstival Celebration
11 am – 1 pm
FREE
No Registration Required
Live at The Weitzman
52 WEEKS OF FIRSTS: FIRSTIVAL CELEBRATION
Celebrate Philadelphia’s spirit of innovation and community at The Weitzman’s Firstival honoring America’s First Thanksgiving Day Parade. Come see The Weitzman’s “number one” and discover how department store Gimbels transformed a local holiday promotion into a cherished national phenomenon through artifacts and stories drawn from the Gimbels department store. This special event is a part of Philadelphia’s citywide 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative!
Kick of the Firstival with a special story behind The Gimbels family and The First Thanksgiving Day Parade.
See the “number one” art instillation created by local artist Caresh Walker
Visitors will also have a rare opportunity to view artifacts from the Gimbels department store and explore the vision and creativity behind one of Philadelphia’s most enduring cultural contributions. Artifacts from Gimbels department store will be on display through Thanksgiving.
Philadelphia: Home to America’s First Thanksgiving Day Parade
Did you know America’s first Thanksgiving Day Parade began right here in Philadelphia? In 1920, Ellis Gimbel, co-owner of Gimbels department store at 8th and Market Streets, was looking for a creative way to stand out among Philadelphia’s competing retailers and kick off the Christmas shopping season. His solution? Bring the holiday celebration into the streets! On November 25, 1920, a procession of 50 participants, 15 decorated cars, musicians, and clowns marched down Market Street toward Gimbels. The grand finale featured a Philadelphia firefighter dressed as Santa Claus climbing a 100-foot ladder into the store’s eighth-floor toy department, officially welcoming the holiday season. What began as a clever marketing idea soon became a beloved Philadelphia tradition, growing to include elaborate floats and marching bands. Gimbel envisioned the parade as a gift to the city, particularly for children and families in need. When Gimbels closed in 1986, 6abc stepped in to preserve the celebration, reversing the route to finish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. More than a century later, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to bring families together, carrying on the holiday tradition that started right here in the City of Brotherly Love. Items from Gimbels department store on view until Thanksgiving!
What is 52 Weeks of Firsts?
52 Weeks of Firsts is a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary that highlights anything from inventions to innovations, institutions, and cultural milestones that began in Philadelphia. Throughout 2026, the initiative showcases a different Philadelphia-born “first” each week through community events designed to connect residents and visitors with the city’s extraordinary legacy of creativity and leadership!
What is a Firstival?
Firstivals are celebrations of firsts! Whether you’re discovering a new tradition, tasting something for the first time, or trying a hands-on activity, a Firstival is all about exploring new experiences and making lasting memories. At The Weitzman, families are invited to celebrate discovery whether its your first time here or you’re a frequent visitor. Celebrate our first! Take the adventure beyond the Museum and discover Firstival sculptures all over the city.
About the Artist: Caresh Walker
Philadelphia artist Caresh Walker is a Philadelphia-based narrative artist whose multidisciplinary practice blends stained glass, screen printing, graphic design, textiles, and ephemeral collage. Through the transformation of reclaimed materials and unconventional processes, Walker creates work that uncovers forgotten stories and celebrates community experiences, inviting viewers to reflect on both personal and collective histories. He is the founder of SoulPurl 77 Design, an experimental creative studio established in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market in 2005. His work is rooted in storytelling, memory, and the power of art to connect people through shared experiences.
