The end of this years parade season wrapped up with biggest and best one when the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off early from Central Park West and made it’s way down the parade route to Macy’s at Herald Square on 34th Street. The chilly morning didn’t stop the well over 2 million people from attending and cheering on the big balloons and several premiere marching bands from across the country. The energy level was on super high as the first of 11 great marching bands appeared when Alabama A&M University made their way down the parade route. Most people come out to see the iconic huge balloons of some their favorite animated characters. It’s a blast to see kids of all ages see these huge balloons come to life right in front of their eyes. This year there were 6 new balloons that were amazing to see float on by with a crew of about 100 on each to keep them from flying away.
The parade has plenty of celebrities to keep the crowd entertained. This year Brandy, Jimmy Fallon, Keenan and Kel, and many more came out to greet the crowd and perform later on for the millions watching at home. A little known fact of this parade is that it has the largest collection of clowns for any event in the US, possibly the world. And the clowns take their role seriously and get the crowd laughing and happy. The marching bands were really great this year. One of the best group tuba performances this year came from the Band Director’s Marching Band. I think they had every instrument possible for a marching band to play. They were amazing. A local band from across the Hudson made their grand entrance. The Rutgers University Marching Band played their hearts out and really got the crowd worked up. They made Jersey proud.
Visiting NYC for many of the band members is a special treat. It may be their first time there and having the honor of marching down the parade route with millions of screaming fans is something I’m sure they will never forget. One group that took in the moment came all the way from Washington State when the Mercer Island HS Marching Band made their way down the parade route. One of the best flag bearers came from Wisconsin when the Greendale Hs Marching Band came twirling their flags with style and grace. Without doubt, the best uniforms came from the heart of Texas when the Texas Tech Red Raiders marched and played their hearts out. As usual with this parade, the change from Thanksgiving themed floats to festive Christmas comes about two thirds into event. One group from Florida had the Polar Express music down to a tee. The Stoneman Douglas Marching Band had a fun time at the parade. A whole slew of Santa helpers and elves made their appearance and prepping the crowd for when the Big Guy came out in his float led by Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer. That’s a remarkable thing to see at this event. Kids from 4 to 94 look up to see Santa Claus and have awe and amazement in their eyes…a thing of beauty.
This has been a wonderful and amazing parade year. For the first time ever two sitting Presidents from their countries participated in their parades (Poland and Dominican Republic). Millions of people visit from across the country and the world to march in or just watch the event. It’s been a pleasure to try and capture these parades as they are part of the fabric of NYC. This is one of the ways how NY celebrates it’s many cultures and passing of traditions from one generation to the next. I’m thankful to the parade organizers and volunteers that work tirelessly to bring these parades to life. I’m thankful to the NYPD for keeping everyone safe and respond quickly if there is any unwanted disturbance. I’m thankful to you the reader for keeping interest in this blog. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. See you in ’24.
NYC Parade Life 