As Essential as Turkey and Stuffing: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s Rich History
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an integral part of the holiday season, and for nearly a century, it has been a tradition for many. Despite a few interruptions and mishaps, the parade has continued to go on, evolving over the years. Here are some surprising facts about the parade’s history:
Originally, the parade was a Christmas celebration, organized by employees in 1924, featuring floats, bands, and animals from the zoo, drawing 10,000 onlookers. The first parade started at 145th Street and ended at Macy’s flagship location, where Santa Claus would unveil the store’s Christmas windows. After three years, the Christmas Parade was renamed the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Macy’s didn’t invent the practice, however. Philadelphia’s Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade, now known as the 6ABC — Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, began in the 1920s, making it the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade.
The first broadcast of the parade was on the radio in 1932, requiring viewers to use their imaginations. The parade was first televised in 1946 in New York and nationally on NBC the following year. Another significant milestone was the introduction of balloons in 1927, inspired by a balloon float, which have since become a signature part of the parade.
Interestingly, the balloons have remained almost a constant feature, with the first balloons being massive, including a 60-foot dinosaur. Initially, there was an elevated train running down Sixth Avenue, which posed an extra challenge for balloon handlers until 1938.
