Savory Tidbits of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Before you sit down this year to enjoy a delicious mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day feast, why not learn some interesting facts about the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

First, did you know that Macy's Department Store was not the first to hold the Thanksgiving Day parade? It was actually Gimble's Department Store located in Philadelphia, back in 1920. It was in 1924 that the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade first took place. The first parade was actually called The Macy's Christmas Day Parade even though it was held on Thanksgiving Day.

Employees of Macy's Department Store were mostly immigrants from Europe. To honor the new country they were living in, they decided to celebrate Thanksgiving in the style they were familiar with from Europe....a parade. Dressed in costumes, with floats and even a band, the employees marched down 145^th street to 34^th street. Floats were pulled by horses and many live animals were borrowed from the New York Zoo to be in the parade.

The famous helium balloons, now a trademark of the parade, were added in 1927. Any guesses on what the first helium balloon was? Felix the Cat! Also in attendance were the Dragon, the Elephant, and the Toy Soldier Balloons! These first balloons exploded upon release because the helium expanded at high altitudes (something everyone had forgotten about during the balloons creation). In 1928, Macy came up with an air/helium mixture that is still used today.

Did you know that back then the balloons were released at the end of the parade to float aimlessly above for days? People were told that anyone finding a balloon could return it and claim a prize! After some near misses and potential crashes involving over-eager hopefuls, this practice had to be discontinued in 1933.

Disney joined in the festivities in 1934. The first Mickey Mouse balloon was introduced into the Thanksgiving parade.

War brought the parade to a standstill from 1942 until about 1944. Rubber and helium could not be used in a parade when it was needed for war. In 1945 the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade returned with an approximate audience of 2 million. The parade was also televised for the first time in New York.

1933 was the only year that Santa Claus did not end the parade; that year, Santa Claus led the parade.

In 1958, a helium shortage meant that the balloons could not float down the parade route; Cranes were brought in to guide the balloons instead.

The week after the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, the parade marched on, but all the floats were draped in black.

And, a last few tidbits before you indulge in your Thanksgiving feast:

In 1999, Ask Jeeves became the 1^st Internet inspired balloon character added to the parade.

In 1993, Sonic The Hedgehog became the 1^st video game character added.

Macy's is the world's second largest consumer of helium; the 1^st is The United States Government.

So as you contemplate your full stomach this Turkey Day, and explore the options of dessert, listen closely and maybe you will hear the crowds yelling excitedly, the animals making snorts, huffs, and all other assorted animal noises, and you might also hear the rustle of all the grand balloons, as the parade marches down 145^th street. Close your eyes tightly ( no, not to picture the scrumptious pies awaiting your fork! ), and perhaps you'll envision the proud and happy faces of the enthusiastic employees of Macy's Department Store as they unknowingly led the march of what would become one of the greatest traditions of our country.

Happy Thanksgiving.