Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke looked stunning at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Thursday.
Stanke joined the iconic annual parade in a floor-length red sequined gown from Jovani Fashions, a matching oversized fur coat, pointed white pumps, and her Miss America sash.
Her elegant bun, styled by Zullay Sevilla, was adorned with a crown, completing her beauty queen look.
Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke heads down the parade route on a float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023 in New York City.
The 21-year-old pageant titleholder wore red to showcase support for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women health movement.
"I am so excited to be wearing red for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative as well. The Miss America Opportunity is so thrilled to be working to help create better women's health overall," she said during an interview, which was posted on Miss America's account on X, formerly Twitter.
Tune in to watch #MissAmerica wearing red for the American Heart Association’s #GoRedForWomen initiative in the #ICONIC Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade TODAY! ⭐️❤️ The official telecast is on #NBC and simulcast on Peacock from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., in all time zones! pic.twitter.com/CIfLbdIk4r
— Miss America (@MissAmerica) November 23, 2023
The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is the organization's nationwide campaign dedicated to eradicating heart disease and stroke among women.
Stanke rode on the "Big City Cheer!" float, which made its parade debut in 2015 as a replacement for the Spirit of America's former float entry, the "Pep Rally."
Annually, the float hosts the appearance of the newly-crowned Miss America.
Had this super cool thing to do for work this morning 😏 @Macys Happy Thanksgiving!!!
— Grace Stanke (@Grace_Stanke) November 23, 2023
P.S. the cheerleaders were SO NICE I LOVED THEM ALL pic.twitter.com/jdFVE25C8i
For Miss America 2023, to be part of the Thanksgiving parade is an honor as it ties two incredible icons together.
"It truly is an honor," Stanke said in an interview with Spectrum News NY1. "Being Miss America, we're already a national icon just being in this role, which is incredible to now tie it in with the Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade."
Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke heads down the parade route on a float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023 in New York City.
Other famous personalities who graced the parade included pop icon Cher, "The Vocal Bible" Brandy, and Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste.
The 97th edition of the parade featured Broadway acts, live pop performances, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns, nine performance groups, and iconic cartoon and anime character balloons such as Monkey D. Luffy, Snoopy, Pikachu, and Spongebob.
Santa Claus marked the finale of the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. His arrival was accompanied by three merry elves on a reindeer-pulled sleigh, delighting the crowds.