Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade History

Although some retailers begin decorating for the holidays months in advance, for many people, the holiday season truly begins with the quintessential Thanksgiving parade. Every Thanksgiving, Macy's department store sponsors a parade in New York City. Over the last 82 years, this parade has become a Thanksgiving tradition.

Despite the event's humble beginnings, the spectacle has grown in attendance and pomp every year. Now, about 2.5 million people attend the parade and over 44 million people watch it on television. The 2.5 mile parade begins at 9:00 AM and usually runs until about noon. It features music, marchers, floats, and of course, balloons. Learn about the history and traditions of the parade, then read about past parade accidents.

Parade History

The parade began in 1924 and has run 78 times since that year.

In 1924, the parade's inaugural year, it consisted of a relatively small number of marchers and live animals from the Central Park Zoo. By 1928 the live animals were replaced by balloons.

In 1934, a Mickey Mouse balloon appeared for the first time, beginning the tradition of Disney characters as balloons.

The only interruption in the parade’s history was from 1942-1944 when balloon materials were needed as resources for the World War Two war effort.

In 1945, the parade returned, attracting nearly two million viewers. The return of the parade marked another milestone: this year, it was televised for the first time.

Elaborate, theatrical floats were first produced in 1969. Although some stood forty feet tall, they had to be collapsible to fit through the Holland Tunnel in their travel from New Jersey to New York City.

Today, the parade has over dozens of balloons, floats and bands totaling over 4,000 marchers.

Balloon Mishaps

In 1928, the balloons were released over the city at the parade finale. Unexpectedly, they popped at higher altitudes. The following year, balloons were equipped with slow release valves to prevent popping in the future.

In 1957, heavy rain pooled in the top of the Popeye float, causing it to veer out of control, spilling water and drenching unlucky parade goers.

In 1958, balloons were filled with air and suspended from cranes due to a shortage of helium.

In 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon collided with a lamppost, which was knocked over. The resulting debris left one woman comatose for a month.

The Parade Route

The 2.5 mile route is expected to be lined with 2.5 million people this Thanksgiving. It begins at 77th Street and Central Park West and proceeds to Columbus Circle. It then turns onto Broadway, turns again on 34th St and proceeds down 34th until it ends at 7th Avenue.