Thanksgiving is fast approaching which means it’s the season to celebrate the timeless tradition of “The Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Starting at 9 a.m., on Thursday Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Day), on NBC, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” will celebrate its 80th Anniversary.
Hosted by first-timer Meredith Vieira and veteran Matt Lauer, this annual celebration will feature all the fun and surprises that have made this New York City tradition such a holiday favorite.
The Macy’s parade has been the parade to see since 1924. The magnificent sight of bands, balloons and floats has kicked off Thanksgiving in New York City for over 80 years.
Starting as the “Macy’s Christmas Day Parade,” this time honored tradition dates back to the first-generation immigrants working as Macy’s department store employee’s in the 1920’s.
Proud of their new American heritage, they celebrated the holiday by marching down the streets dressed as clowns, cowboys, knights and sheiks.
The route began at 145th Street and Convent Avenue and traveled over five miles to 34th Street and Herald Square. The employees were surrounded by floats, which were pulled by horses during that time, and professional bands. Live animals such as camels, goats, elephants and donkeys took part in the celebration as well.
With a large audience, the parade turned out to be a big success. In 1925 and 1926 the decision to add bears, lions, and tigers was made, yet didn’t last due to the number of children frightened by the closeness of these large animals.
The famous balloons that you see today didn’t make their appearance until a year later in 1927. Felix the Cat, a Dragon, an Elephant and a Toy Soldier were the first balloons to set the tradition. These replaced the live animals.
A tradition which took place during this time was the releasing of the balloons. With a return address attached, the balloons were released into the air, allowing them to float freely. The finder could claim a prize. Clarence Chamberlain, an aviator who had been flying over New York City caught the Pig Balloon in mid air, later receiving a prize of $25. Releasing the balloons was discontinued soon after in 1933.
Through the 1930’s, the parade became more and more popular. Crowds of over a million lined the streets. With the increase of the crowds came an increase of balloons, now including Walt Disney characters, which were a crowd favorite.
Santa, arriving at 34th street, ended the parade every year, except in 1933 when he led it.
A decade later, World War II started. The devastation of the war put the parade at a temporary halt during the years of 1942, 1943 and 1944. Macy’s went ahead and donated the balloons, which had been made of rubber at the time, to the government. It resumed back in 1945, and was now being televised in New York. It was here that it ran the route it still runs today.
Then, an incredible shock swept the nation. President Kennedy was assassinated. Less than a week later, with the country still in mourning, the parade marched on, fearing that if it didn’t, millions of children would be disappointed.
Through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, the most popular balloons included Snoopy, Kermit the Frog and Superman.
The 1990’s brought new character additions from the internet, video games and cartoons. Included were Sonic the Hedgehog, Jeeves and the Rugrats.
This New York extravaganza is special for both young children and adults.
The infamous march down Broadway reminds many of the joy this holiday brings, and allows us to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving with a tradition set forth so long ago.
Over the years, the parade has attracted many celebrities including Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, NSYNC, Christina Aguilera and many, many more.
Make sure to watch the parade this year to see which celebrities will make an appearance.
Jennifer Neary is a West Chester student. She can be reached at JN615188@wcupa.edu.