(Springfield, MO) -- Dozens of Missouri State University students are spending the Thanksgiving holiday away from family.

They loaded onto a bus this morning headed for Chicago and the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The MSU Pride Band has travelled a lot over the years, appearing in the Macy's Parade, Tournament of Roses and the Orange Bowl.

But the Chicago parade is a little different, says MSU band director Jerry Hoover; "In this parade, we're bringing in santa claus so we're back at the back, plus they stop for commercials and main thoroughfares so it's a lot of stopping and starting during the parade "

Hoover says the kids are prepared for Chicago's cold weather.  It should be about 40 degrees on parade day.
The Chicago Thanksgiving parade will be aired  live on WGN cable in Chicago.