History of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
There are thousands of people watch the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year. It has become the traditional start of the winter holiday season.
In 1924, the first parade took place on Thanksgiving Day and was called the "Big Christmas Parade." Since many of Macy's employees were immigrants from Europe, they decided to celebrate their new American heritage and the holidays with a celebration similar to ones they enjoyed in their homeland. About four hundred employees participated in the first parade. There were bands and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. The parade ended with Santa Claus unveiling the Macy's Christmas windows on 34th Street.
The world famous huge, helium-filled balloons were introduced in 1927. Felix the Cat and the Toy Soldier were the first designs by Tony Sarg, a theatrical designer. Because the balloons require so much helium, Macy's is the world's second largest consumer of the gas. The U.S. government ranks first.
Parade Quick Facts
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1924 - first parade organized by Macy's employees |
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1927 - helium-filled balloons first used |
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1929 - balloons are released at the end of the parade with return addresses labels and Macy's offers prizes for their return |
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1933 - stop release of balloons due to public safety concerns |
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1940s - suspension of parade during the war due to concern about helium and rubber shortage |
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1955 - parade begins long broadcast affiliation with NBC |
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1958 - due to helium shortage, balloons are paraded through streets with cranes |
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1963 - parade marches a week after President Kennedy's assassination, but floats are draped in black |
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1980s - falloons are introduced which are a combination of float and cold air balloon. |