Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has an interesting history and its grandeur adds a measure of colorful appearance to the Thanksgiving Day. The employees of Macy's department, who were immigrants, commenced it. They wanted to extend the cheerful atmosphere by adding a custom of their choice. They marched down the street in the guise of clowns, cowboys, knights and sheiks. The parade received a warm welcome from the natives. In 1927, the practice of floating balloons started. The balloon was floated for days in the street and the person who got it won a prize. The balloons designed as Disney characters, Frog and Superman became very popular.

In 1940, the custom had to be dropped because of the grim atmosphere of World War-II. It was again resumed in 1945 and continued ever after. Even eminent personalities and celebrities enjoyed with the commonplace public. The worst phase of the parade was during 1963 because of the recent assassination of President Kennedy. But the celebration was held as usual for the innocent children and their smiles. Innovative methods were introduced to attract more audience far and wide. With a view to flourish trade, popular retailers like Macy in New York City or Gimbel in Philadelphia began to spend on glamorous eye-catching parades. Though meant for children, even the adults took active part in them and this year again Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2005 is a much-awaited event to bring a fresh cheerful breeze in the life of all Americans.