Whether you prefer bread stuffing or cornbread, sweet potato pie or pumpkin, most people have enjoyed one Thanksgiving tradition, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade dates back to the 1920s. There were floats, musical bands and live animals in the early parades. However, soon the live animals were replaced by large balloon animals. By the early 1930’s, approximately one million New Yorkers lined the streets to watch the annual parade.
From 1942 to 1944, the parade wasn’t held because of World War II. It started back up again in 1945 and in 1947, the parade was featured in the “Miracle on 34th Street” movie. After the movie, the parade became universally popular.
The parade has marched down the same route since 1945. It begins at 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 am EST and marches down Columbus Circle, Broadway and 34th Street. The parade concludes at 7th Avenue.
If you are in New York City and want to watch the parade for yourself, you should prepare to find a place early. People start lining the streets as early as 6 am, as it’s first come, first serve for seats. The best places to watch the parade are at Columbus Circle, 34th Street and on Broadway. Be prepared for a huge crowd as nearly three million people line the streets to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. On television, NBC broadcasts the event and the parade draws nearly 50 million viewers.
Perhaps the biggest attraction of the modern day Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the enormous helium-filled balloons. Famous balloons include the Garfield balloon and the Snoopy balloon.
Do you want to actually be in the parade? On the Macy’s website, you can fill out an application to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While the 2007 spots are filled, Macy’s is already taking applications for the 2008 parade. Bands and performance groups can learn how to apply online.
Macy’s was established in the late 1850’s by Rowland Hussey Macy. It was originally a dry goods store. The headquarters for company are located at Herald Square in New York City.
