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| Spongebob Squarepants by Nickelodeon |
One of the greatest spectacles in American show business
once again came to New York City on Thanksgiving Day. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in its
88th year swept through the streets to a live audience of 3.5 million. That is in addition to the 50 million
watching at home on NBC. The Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade features massive helium balloons, floats, guest musical
appearances, marching bands, celebrity appearances, and to top it off, Santa
Clause. This magical event has been
going on since 1924 and used to feature lions, tigers, camels, bears, goats,
and elephants. Santa Claus himself has
always ended the parade except for one year when he started it off. In recent times, they have added “Falloons”
(float and cold air balloon hybrid), Balloonicles (balloon and vehicle hybrid)
and “Trycaloons” (part tricycle part balloon).
The parade strolls through Manhattan, the most densely populated borough
of New York. It starts on the west side
of Central Park on 77th St. and finishes at Macy’s on 34th
St.
This year’s parade featured 33 balloons, 27 floats, 1,300
cheerleaders/dancers, 1,000 clowns, 12 marching bands, and celebrity performers
including Hillary Duff, Nick Jonas, Cirque de Soleil, KISS, The Madden
Brothers, and Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez.
This year featured six new giant balloons and five new floats. Some of the highlights included:
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The Wizard of Oz Balloonheads by
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
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The Wizard of Oz Balloonheads by Warner Bros. Home
Entertainment. This year marks the
75th anniversary of the float from the classic book and movie being
included in the parade. Dorothy made an
appearance along with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked
Witch of the West.
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| Big Apple by NY Daily News |
Big Apple by NY Daily News – Included the Empire
State Building, the Chrysler Building, Macy’s and a 30-foot giant apple. This float featured performances by The King
of Bachata and Romeo Santos.
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Spider-Man by Marvel Entertainment &
Sony Pictures Entertainment |
Spider-Man by Marvel Entertainment & Sony Pictures
Entertainment- This 78 feet long by 38 feet wide by 29 feet tall floating
Spider-Man is celebrating his hit animated series Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man:
Web Warriors. Spider-Man is the longest
balloon in the parade.
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| Spongebob Squarepants by Nickelodeon |
Spongebob Squarepants by Nickelodeon- Spongebob came
to celebrate the upcoming 3D film from Paramount Pictures coming out in
2015. The Spongebob balloon requires over
800 internal tie-lines and is the first square balloon in the parade.
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Pep Rally Float by Spirit of America
Productions |
Pep Rally Float by Spirit of America Productions –
The Pep Rally Float featured a moving performance by rock legends KISS and was
led by party-starting children.
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Mount Rushmore's American Pride by
South Dakota Dept. of Tourism |
Mount Rushmore’s American Pride by South Dakota
Department of Tourism – Featured the beautiful landscape of one of
America’s most well-known monuments, Mount Rushmore. Accompanying this massive float was the rock band Needtobreathe.
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Adventure Time with Finn & Jake by
Cartoon Network |
Adventure Time with Finn & Jake by Cartoon Network
– Finn and Jake from the hit series Adventure Time returned for their second
Thanksgiving Parade. This balloon
measured 57 ft. by 26 ft. by 40 ft.
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Beauty of Beijing by Sino-American
Friendship Association |
Beauty of Beijing by Sino-American Friendship Association
– This float was a true journey to China in its first year at the Parade. Beauty of Beijing featured the Great Wall,
Temple of Heaven, giant lanterns, and guard lions. Also featured in this float was the
Chinese-American Performance Ensemble.
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| Paddington by Weinstein Company |
Paddington by The Weinstein Company – Paddington the
Bear made his first appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this
year. He was in town to promote his new
movie coming out in January 2015.
Paddington was 54 feet long, 36 feet wide and 60 feet tall.
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| Kit, Charlie, and C.J. Elf |
Kit, Charlie, & C.J. Elf - The Gnome Balloons
from the 1940s and early ‘50s are back in new form, as the Macy’s Parade Elf
Family. At 34-feet high, 18.5-feet wide, and filled with 2,100 cubic feet of
helium, these novelty balloons give a new meaning to the word “elf.”
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International Cele-Bear-Ation Clock
Tower by Build-A-Bear Workshop |
International Cele-Bear-Ation Clock Tower by Build-A-Bear
Workshop - This float is a
celebration for everyone’s favorite childhood friend, the Teddy Bear. Bearamy the Bear was there with both his
human friends and his furry animal friends.
This float also featured the Oscar Nominated actress, Quvenzhane Wallis,
who is the star of the upcoming film, Annie.
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| Dreamseeker by Cirque Du Soleil |
Dreamseeker by Cirque Du Soleil –The Canadian circus
troupe, Cirque Du Soleil is regarded as one of the best live performances to
see worldwide. Their float, Dreamseeker
was a moving performance with acrobatics, trampolines, and more. Their float seemed to take flight with its
giant wings. Dreamseeker was one of the largest in the parade.
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Stirrin' Up Sweet Sensations by
Domino Sugar |
Stirrin’ Up Sweet Sensations by Domino Sugar – This
float, the Cookie Express, featured a giant cookie bowl and cookie press. Stirrin’ Up Sweet Sensations also featured a
performance by country music star Cole Swindell.
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Dora and Frends: Aventuras Fantasticas
by Nickelodeon |
Dora and Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas by Nickelodeon
– Dora, the famed Nickelodeon Character came to New York for her first time at
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to give spectators a look at her colorful
float. Dora also came to the parade with
the pop sensation Becky G, who gave a spectacular performance.
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Skylanders Eruptor by Activision
Publishing Inc. |
Skylanders Eruptor by Activision Publishing Inc. – Eruptor,
the fiery character from the Activision video game series, Skylanders, made his
first appearance this year. His balloon
required 40+ gallons of florescent paint and five barrels of glitter, along
with dozens of people holding his strings.
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Goldfish on Parade by Pepperage Farm
Goldfish |
Goldfish On Parade by Pepperage Farm Goldish – This
float was lead the head Goldfish, Finn, and his friends Gilbert, Brooke, and
Xtreme. Finn was held high in the air
with his majestic top hat. Their float
was created from oversized everyday objects such as pencils, straws, and
thumbtacks. Goldfish on Parade was also
accompanied by Hollywoods Records Artist and star of Pretty Little Liars, Lucy
Hale.
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It's All Rock and Roll by
Gibson Brands |
It’s All Rock and Roll by Gibson Brands – This
massive float was a tribute to one of the most influential instruments of all
time, the guitar. It’s All Rock and Roll
featured an oversized Gibson “Les Paul” Guitar as its centerpiece with a stage
complete with lights, amps, and stage rigging.
Performing on the stage was country music duo Dan + Shay.
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| Harold the Fireman |
Harold the Fireman and Harold the Policeman – Harold
has been a character in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1945, first
appearing as a clown. He was then a
fireman and then a policeman. This year,
Harold was both a fireman and a policeman.
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| Hello Kitty by Sanrio Inc. |
Hello Kitty by Sanrio Inc. – Featuring a six foot
bow, Hello Kitty came to the parade to celebrate her 40
th
anniversary. Hello Kitty is a staple in
Japanese culture since 1974, and came to New York to bedazzle spectators while
flying on her fabulous airplane.
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Thomas the Tank Engine by
Mattel Inc. |
Thomas the Tank Engine by Mattel Inc. – Thomas the
Tank Engine, from the ever popular Thomas & Friends animated series made
his first ever appearance at this year’s parade. Thomas has been making children happy for
decades, and he definitely has not run out of steam. Thomas the Tank Engine is the largest helium
balloon and contains the most balloon fabric ever used to design one character.
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| Tom Turkey |
Tom Turkey – Tom Turkey returned once again as one of
the main floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tom has been leading the parade since his
introduction in 1971. Tom was joined by
two pilgrims riding high and plenty of pumpkins to go around. Also along for the ride was television chef
and author Sandra Lee.
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| Marion-Carole Showboat |
Marion-Carole Showboat – The Marion-Carole Showboat
float is a 42-foot long steamboat replica complete with a paddlewheel and twin
smokestacks. The Showboat presented
performances by MAC Award winning cabaret artist William Blake and Miss USA
2014, Nia Sanchez.
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The Girl-Powered Spinning Machine by
Goldieblox |
The Girl-Powered Spinning Machine by Goldieblox – This
all new float came to the parade to set a good example to girls of all
ages. The Spinning Machine was designed
by Goldieblox to showcase the basic principles of engineering in an effort to bring
science, technology, engineering, and math to life. It used kid power to make the float
work. The Girl-Powered Spinning Machine
also served as a stage for a performance by pop sensation Meghan Trainor.
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Papa Smurf by Sony
Pictures Animation |
Papa Smurf by Sony Pictures Animation – Coming back
for his 7
th year, the gigantic Papa Smurf balloon floated
charismatically through the streets. Papa
Smurf has been one of America’s favorite characters since his debut in 1958 and
a favorite at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since his balloon’s debut in
2008. The Smurfs float featured a performance by the
Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star winners, Before You Exit.
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On the Roll Again by Homewood
Suite by Hilton |
On the Roll Again by Homewood Suite by Hilton – Lewis
the Duck and his family made a delightful appearance at this year’s
parade. Along with his signature
red-striped tie, Lewis was joined by his wife Lois, and his kids Lance and
Lisa. The winners of NBC’s Sing Off,
Pentatonix, joined On the Roll Again for a live performance.
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Pikachu by The Pokemon Company
International |
Pikachu by The Pokemon Company International –
Holiday Pikachu made his debut as his third incarnation, this time donning
holiday attire and coming with his snowy friend. Pikachu came to the parade to celebrate the
launch of the new Pokemon games Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
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| Pillsbury Doughboy by Pillsbury |
Pillsbury Doughboy by Pillsbury – The lovable
American TV icon once again joined the Thanksgiving Parade for his sixth
year. The giant doughboy measured in at
54-feet long, 34-feet wide, and 46-feet tall.
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Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger by
Power Rangers |
Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger by Power Rangers –
Making his first ever Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance, the Red
Ranger, at 77-feet long and 56-feet tall is one of the longest and tallest
balloons in the parade. The Red Ranger
has been the lead Power Ranger since their beginning in 1994.
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Winter Wonderland in Central Park by
Delta Airlines Inc. |
Winter Wonderland in Central Park by Delta Airlines Inc.
– This float is an incarnation of one of the greatest spectacles in New York
City: Central Park. You could see a
recreation of Central Park’s Gothic Bridge, vintage streetlights, illuminated
Christmas trees, and snow. Winter
Wonderland hosted a performance by opera superstar and National Meda of the
Arts, Renee Fleming.
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| Ronald McDonald by McDonald's |
Ronald McDonald by McDonald’s – Ronald McDonald
wearing ice skates made his way through the parade as the most famous clown in
the country. He has been appearing in
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1966.
He measured 76-feet long, 28-feet wide, and 48-feet tall.
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| Waves of Conservation by Seaworld |
Waves of Conservation by Seaworld – Waves of
Conservation featured all sorts of sea life from whales, to angelfish to sharks. This float has been around for fifty years
inspiring the patrons of the parade to help conserve ocean life. Waves of Conservation also featured a
performance by the SeaWord Animal Ambassadors.
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1-2-3 Sesame Street by Sesame
Workshop |
1-2-3 Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop – The Sesame Street
float, in its 45
th year, inspires children from all over the
world. Sesame Street has been
entertaining and teaching kids for so long that they are a worldwide
favorite. 1-2-3 Sesame Street had Big
Bird, Grover, Elmo, Bert and Ernie, and the rest of the cast.
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Daytime Play Time, Night Time Too...
by Sprout |
Daytime, Play Time, Night Time Too… by Sprout – Sprout
TV’s float is specifically designed to invoke preschoolers’ imagination. Folks were gathered atop the You and Me Tree
next to the Sunshine Barn. Performing on
this float was Sprout’s icon, Chica and her fellow co-hosts from Sunny Side Up.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by
Nickelodeon |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Nickelodeon - For the third year running, the Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo made their
appearance at this legendary parade. They cruised down the street in their highly
animated backdrop featuring roof tops, fire escapes, and window ledges. The TMNT float featured a performance by
pop-rap duo MKTO.
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The Elf on the Shelf by
CCA and B LLC |
The Elf on the Shelf by CCA and B, LLC – The tallest
balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Elf on the Shelf, returned for
his third year. Santa’s helper is always
a lovable addition to the parade.
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The Enchanting World of Lindt
Chocolate |
The Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate – The Lindt
float depicts a huge chocolate shop run by the Lindt Master Chocolatier. The Chocolatier had marionettes controlling
real life dancers. The Lindt float
featured a performance by Tony Award winner and Broadway Superstar Idina
Menzel.
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Toothless of How to Train Your
Dragon by Dreamworks Animation |
Toothless of How to Train Your Dragon by Dreamworks
Animation – Joining us for his second year was Toothless from the hit
series of children’s books and the How to Train your Dragon movies. Toothless was the star of this year’s How to
Train your Dragon 2, which came out earlier this year.
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| Treasure Hunt by Pirate's Booty |
Treasure Hunt by Pirate’s Booty – The grand pirate
ship set sail through the streets with its Treasure Map sail raised high. The pirate ship featured the Pirate’s Booty
Pirate and his pal Crunchy the Parrot, as well as the Disney Channel’s Sabrina
Carpenter, star of the show Girl Meets World.
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| Wiggleworm |
Wiggleworm – The Wiggleworm balloon in all its multicolored
glory returned to the Parade this year. At 15-feet high, 19.3-feet wide and
filed with 3,900 cubic feet of helium, this worm wiggled its way into
spectators’ hearts this Thanksgiving.
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| Virginia |
Virginia – This Float was modeled after the animated
version of 8-year old Virginia O’Hanlon, who famously wrote to the editor of
the New York Sun about the existence of Santa Claus.
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At the Ball Game by Cracker
Jack Popcorn |
At the Ball Game by Cracker Jack Popcorn - This float was inspired by the traditional American pastime, baseball. The Cracker Jack float included a live camera for spectators to see them selves on a huge LED screen above the stadium scoreboard.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Amulet Books |
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Amulet Books - The Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley, is flying through the sky holding his Diary in celebration of the release of his ninth book, The Long Haul.
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| Santa's Sleigh |
Santa’s Sleigh – The famous grand finale of the whole Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa Claus himself is what all of the children look forward to throughout the entire parade. It is said that during this parade is the moment that Santa leaves his snowy sanctuary to begin his enchanting journey around the globe.
Great photos, great story!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Tom the Turkey :)