Ford Motor Company And The Parade Company Announce Major Partnership, The Ford Fireworks Presented By Target, Set For Monday, June 24

DETROIT, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and The Parade Company have announced a major partnership for one of the nation's largest fireworks displays – The Ford Fireworks presented by Target. The event's new name reflects lead sponsorship of the fireworks by Ford Motor Company, in addition to Target's support, making possible this free world-class event for the city of Detroit and the region. 

The Ford Fireworks presented by Target will light up the sky, Monday, June 24, at 10:06 p.m., with views of the Detroit River in downtown Detroit. Created and produced by The Parade Company, the event – celebrating 55 years – attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators for one of the most anticipated summer nights in Detroit.

"We are extremely grateful for Ford Motor Company's commitment to The Parade Company, and at this incredibly exciting time in Detroit we look forward to working together on this 55-year Detroit tradition," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company. "Ford consistently strives to make the Detroit region stronger, and this partnership speaks volumes to the great people of our region."

Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund have a long history of supporting The Parade Company. In 2011 Ford became the official vehicle of America's Thanksgiving Parade^® featuring its float, "Driving a Brighter Future." Also, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and his wife Lisa served as grand marshals for the 85th America's Thanksgiving Parade – one of the country's largest and longest-running parades.

"Ford Motor Company is proud to support this important tradition, and honored to partner with The Parade Company as lead sponsor of the event," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Ford is deeply committed to Detroit and our community, and iconic events like the fireworks bring people together to celebrate our great city."

In addition to its title sponsorship of the event, Ford will kick off a community campaign to honor veterans and those who serve in the armed forces. "As we celebrate our independence and freedom, Ford wants to join with the community to honor those in the military who make it possible," said Vella.

A campaign including social media will kick off June 1 in partnership with Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is an organization that provides scholarships to children and spouses of members of the military who were killed or severely wounded in the line of duty. Funds raised will be designated for military families in Michigan, with Ford matching contributions made by the public. On the night of the fireworks, Ford will provide postcards for attendees to send messages of thanks to active military personnel overseas.

"Target is a remarkable corporate and community partner, and we are excited to add Ford Motor Company to our sponsor roster," said Michaels. "The combined backing of these companies will enable us to once again give the Detroit community an incredible fireworks show."

"I applaud Ford Motor Company for being title sponsor of this year's Detroit fireworks celebration. This is a family event that the entire region looks forward to every summer," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. "Ford and Target are great corporate partners committed to seeing this cherished tradition continue to entertain families in Detroit and across the state. I also thank the Parade Company for creating magical moments and lasting memories for the hundreds of thousands of people who attend the fireworks."

The Parade Company will bring in Zambelli Fireworks Internationale to feature more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects visible for miles along the Detroit River. This year's show will be choreographed by the world-renowned Patrick Brault, who has designed pyrotechnic displays internationally, including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The new multiyear partnership with Ford includes a presenting sponsorship of The Parade Company's Official Rooftop Party the night of the fireworks – one of the nonprofit organization's largest fundraisers. It also includes a strong presence in America's Thanksgiving Parade, and title sponsorship of one of Detroit's premier events, Hob Nobble Gobble at Ford Field, raising critical funds for The Parade Company.   

The Ford Fireworks presented by Target can be viewed on WDIV-Local 4's live broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. News/Talk 760 WJR will do a special radio simulcast throughout the event and provide up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information throughout the day. For more information on The Parade Company events, visit www.theparade.org.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,830 stores – 1,784 in the United States and 46 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

About The Parade Company
Founded in 1984, The Parade Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders in the greater Detroit region. The Parade Company is celebrating 87 years of Parade tradition in Detroit. The mission is to fund, create and execute the best family events in metro Detroit. The Parade Company staff, the board of directors and thousands of parade volunteers work year-round to bring a wide variety of magnificent events to the City of Detroit including The Ford Fireworks presented by Target and America's Thanksgiving Parade^®.Follow The Parade Company on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company