A Century of Joy: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
A Brief History
History was made exactly 100 years ago when Macy’s held its first-ever holiday parade – but for the first two years, it would be a Christmas event. It would not officially become the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade until 1926, an event that we celebrate to this day right here on NBC. So we’ll have to wait two more years for the “official” centennial parade, but unofficially, some are calling this the 100th anniversary.
The Oldest and Largest Parades
The New York parade is the country’s largest, but the oldest is Philadelphia’s, which began in 1920. The first radio broadcast was in 1932, and 1946 is when it debuted on TV.
Weather Woes
The coldest parade at Herald Square was 19° in 2018; the warmest 69° in 1933. While weather plays a factor every year, it is the wind that has caused the most problems.
Balloons and Incidents
In 1993, Sonic The Hedgehog hit a lamppost, and two people were injured. Four years later, four people were injured when The Cat In The Hat also hit a lamppost. This led to new rules after 1997: Balloons can only fly if the winds are under 23 mph and gusts are under 34 mph.
Famous Balloons
Over the years, many famous balloons have flown over New York City, including the debuts of Mickey Mouse in 1934, Popeye in 1957, and Kermit in 1977.
Conclusion
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a Christmas parade. Today, it’s a beloved tradition that brings joy to millions of people around the world. We look forward to many more years of festive fun and excitement.
FAQs
Q: When was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held?
A: The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1926.
Q: Which city has the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: Philadelphia has the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1920.
Q: What is the coldest temperature recorded at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: The coldest temperature recorded at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was 19° in 2018.
Q: What are the new rules for balloon inflation at the parade?
A: The new rules state that balloons can only fly if the winds are under 23 mph and gusts are under 34 mph.
Q: Which balloons have caused the most incidents at the parade?
A: Sonic The Hedgehog and The Cat In The Hat have caused the most incidents at the parade, both hitting lampposts and injuring people.
