Thanksgiving is a most often a family tradition that involves a delicious feast. Although after 90 years the nation still gathers to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade either on TV or in the streets of New York.
Read on for 10 awesome facts you didn’t know about the parade.
- Macy’s Helium Consumption Is The World’s Second Highest
It takes a lot of helium to power those huge floating balloons. As they get more extravagant every year, Macy’s needs more helium surpassed only by the US Government.
- Snoopy First Appeared in 1968
Although he didn’t appear until 44 years after the start of the parade, Snoopy from the Peanuts comic has been the most featured character in the history of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year will feature the 7th Snoopy balloon for his 33rd appearance.
- Award Winning TV Broadcast
Since it’s debut on national television in 1947, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast has won a total of 12 Emmy’s for outstanding achievement. Hosts have included Betty White and Regis Philbin.
- It’s a Massive Volunteer Effort
Though the parade marches just over two and a half miles starting on the west side of Central Park, more than 8,000 volunteers are needed to make each year a resounding success.
- A Department Store Gimmick
When the parade began in 1924, it was called the Macy’s Christmas Parade and was a gimmick to promote Macy’s Stores. Dressed as characters and clowns, Macy’s employees marched Central Park Zoo animals from Midtown to Harlem. 90 years later, it seems that the gimmick worked.
- Balloon-Return Prizes
When the parade first started out, organizers would let the large balloons loose so they could float over New York City until they deflated. The person who brought the balloon back to Macy’s would receive a cash prize. This stopped in 1933 when a pilot flew too low and died in a crash while trying to collect a balloon.
- Not the Oldest
Despite what you would probably assume, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not the oldest of its kind in the nation. The 6ABC Thanksgiving Parade in Philadelphia takes that prize.
- Millions of Fans and Counting
Currently it is estimated that over 3.5 million people gather in the streets of New York to watch the parade every year. An astounding 50 million people watch it on TV at home.
- The Parade Shut Down for WWII
Because of the war efforts, the parade was shut down to provide helium and rubber to the US Government. Each balloon provided about 650 pounds of rubber to use in the war.
- Felix the Pioneer
Felix the Cat was the first giant balloon to be used in the parade. He appeared in 1927, three years after the parade was founded.
Happy Thanksgiving!
