Macy’s Thanksgiving Day has got to be on top of the list of America’s most vaunted holiday traditions. 2017 will see it take over Manhattan for the 88th time since its inception. It was supposed to be celebrating its 90th birthday, but it was briefly canceled for two years during the Second World War (1942 to 1944) when there was a shortage of rubber. Its history is a complicated and long one that goes back to 1924. Crowds gather every year to enjoy a spectacle of fantasy floats, high-flying balloons, Santa Claus, and fantastic performances. Organizers try to incorporate commemorative and fresh elements to ensure everyone has a blast as they strive to continue their legacy of unmatched holiday entertainment.
Here is a list of five memorable moments from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades
Presence of Central Park Zoo Live Animals
During the first parade, trademark balloons as well as TV and movie tie-ins were still not a thing. Instead the parade had live animals that came from Central Park Zoo. Bears, lions, elephants, and camels were part of the parade. Employees from Macy’s arrived dressed as cowboys, clowns and other kinds of costumes. They walled for six miles on a route whose destination was Harlem from Herald square.
NYPD Leading the Parade
Even though entertainment and floats are usually a favorite for many, there are years when the parade leans more on the patriotic side. An example of an event that people will probably not forget for a long time happened in 2001 just after the horrific terror attacks of 11th September. NYPD was in charge of leading the parade. It was such a heart-warming event watching men and women in uniform be a significant part of the show. They were honoring the people who lost their lives. Officers carried two flags before proceeding to raise the American flag at Ground Zero. NYPD officers were marching behind the fringed banners, and Lady Liberty was also following in float foam.
Parade Was Televised in 1945
1945 was an incredible year for the parade. It was the first time when it was aired to a national audience. It went on air on NBC. Interesting to learn is that it is still the station that broadcasts the event to date. Back then, it probably did not have as many viewers as today. Records show that millions usually tune to see what the parade has to offer.
Felix the Cat Becomes Part of Balloon Charge
It was not until 1927 when Macy introduced its signature balloons. There was no one better to be at the forefront that Felix the Cat who was leading the parade that year. During those years, things were a little bit different. Macy’s released the balloons to the skyline when the ceremony came to an end. It transformed into a competition after a couple of years. Each of the balloons has a return address. People who are lucky enough to catch them during the event get various rewards.
The Wind kills Dinosaurs
Tragedy befell the dinosaurs in 1993. That year the parade featured Rex from the flick “We’re Back.” It was the longest balloon then. Sadly winds (20 mph) sent it face-first into a light pole that popped it wide open. Sonic the Hedgehog also ran into similar fate the same year.
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