Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill will serve as the Grand Marshal of the DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade on July 11, festival organizers announced Friday. Blashill, a Detroit native who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, was named the 27th head coach for the Red Wings organization earlier this month.

“It is an honor to have Jeff Blashill as grand marshal of this year’s parade," says Faye Nelson, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. "He embodies a strong Michigan tradition, and it is only fitting that he leads this national tradition in its 89th year."

The parade, which starts at 11:15am the last day of the festival, will feature marching bands, Prince and Princess floats, clowns and other special attractions. Parade attendees on East Front Street will also have an opportunity to cheer on over 1,500 Festival of Race participants as they make their final approach to the finish line on the parade route in downtown Traverse City. The parade will be televised live on UpNorthTV channel 189.