RSS
Home
An insider’s guide to the Macy’s Parade
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.png)
Every year, giant fanciful balloons meander through the streets of New York City, accompanied by eccentric floats and smiling parade-goers. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an institution in NYC, and it was started in 1924 (but was then called the Macy’s Christmas Parade). Animals from the Central Park Zoo took the place of big balloons, and it was such a success that it came back the next year.
Balloons are now center stage during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – from Snoopy to Santa, the giant creations invoke a sense of wonder in those who watch them make their way through the city. Orlando Veras, who works in Media Relations at Macy’s, shared some interesting balloon information. “If you lined up each character balloon end to end since we started with the balloon giants in 1927, they would cover the length of Manhattan 3 times,” he said. He also shared that this year’s parade has three new balloons – Horton (of Dr. Seuss fame), a Smurf, and Buzz Lightyear. They follow in the footsteps of Felix the Cat, who was the first character immortalized as a balloon in 1927.
With so many balloons, who could choose a favorite? Veras said that his changes by the minute, but he’s watching for a new one to this year’s parade.It is an interpretation of Kieth Haring’s masterpiece “Figure with Heart," and is from the Blue Sky Gallery. The balloon is debuting in this year’s parade as part of a special series featuring balloon versions of contemporary art.
Veras had some helpful tips for those coming to view the parade this year. “First and foremost, dress warmly,” he said. No matter what the temperature is when you leave for the parade, you should dress for colder weather. “After a few hours of standing, it gets very cold,” said Veras. The best thing to do is bring extra layers of clothing that can be taken off or put on, depending on the weather.
As for where to stand to get the best vantage point, Veras said that Times Square is where you should be. “It offers viewing from both sides of the street and is also the widest place on the route. Most people gravitate first to Central Park West because the Parade begins there, but Times Square is the best viewing spot.” But be sure to get there early, as space fill up around 6-7am for front and center spots.
For more parade facts, read the New York Local Travel Examiner’s article, “2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade sure to please.”
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
