McGahee will be grand marshal of Preakness parade

Ravens running back Willis McGahee will serve as grand marshal for the 37th annual Preakness Parade of Lights on May 14.

The parade is the highlight of the Preakness Celebration, a week-long series of events that ends with the 135th running of the Preakness Stakes on May 15.

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the parade starts at the Inner Harbor's Market Place, heads up Pratt Street and ends at First Mariner Arena. It will feature floats, helium-balloon characters, equestrians, marching bands, military units and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

"Baltimore is my home and to be a part of something of this much tradition and grandeur that has been identified with Baltimore for 135 years, well, that is something pretty special," McGahee said in a statement. "I am so honored to be invited to do this.”

The Preakness Stakes is the second race of the Triple Crown.

"It’s terrific to see two such beloved Maryland traditions, the Preakness Stakes and the Baltimore Ravens, celebrating together at this special time,” Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas said in a statement.

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(baltimoresun.com)