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Turkey TV: Macy's parade highlights
By WENDY ZANG McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
What would Thanksgiving TV be without the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Here are a few fun facts about the annual event.
- The parade was first called the "Macy's Christmas Parade," despite taking place on Thanksgiving day. It first took place in 1924.
- 1933 was the only year Santa Claus did not end the parade. That year he led it!
- The parade was first broadcast nationally in 1948 by NBC.
- The parade was suspended in 1942, 1943 and 1944 because of World War II.
- More than 8,000 people participate in the parade.
- More than 3.5 million people pack the streets of New York City to watch it, and more than 50 million people tune in on TV.
- And, for the clown lovers, there are 800 clowns in the parade.
- There are 24 floats in the parade and 10 marching high school or university bands.
- The parade features 50 balloons - 15 giant character balloons and 35 novelty or specialty balloons.
- Kermit the Frog and Spider-Man tie for the longest balloon.
- "Super-cute" Hello Kitty and SpongeBob SquarePants tie for the largest balloon by helium volume.
Source: Macy's
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