Another thing I loved was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Just for fun I have some of these parades tapped on video so I can get to see them if I want. It is fun to watch all of the old actors and actresses appear on the tape. Do any of you go to the parade? Mom and I never did we watched it at home while I prepared the meal.
• It all began in 1924 and has been a tradition ever since. Every year over 3.5 million people gather on the streets to watch the parade, 50 million watch it on TV and of course there are those who live in Manhattan and are lucky enough to view it from their windows. This year you can find information online of hotels along the route at which you can stay and view the parade in warmth and comfort.
• In 1924
…show more content…
All of the parade balloons were melted down into 650 pounds of rubber.
• Ever since 1945 the parade has had a definite route starting at 77th Street and Central Park West and ending at Macy’s. This year the parade will also include 6th Avenue.
• The parade got more popular after footage from the 1946 parade was featured in one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time “Miracle on 34th Street”.
• Macy’s parade was featured on TV for the very first time in 1948 on CBS.
• Since 1952 the official TV broadcaster of the parade has been NBC. Other things which have changed are that at first the parade went for only an hour, then in 1961 for two hours, and finally by 1969 it was three hours long.
• For the very first time in 1957 the famous dancers the Rockettes from Radio City appeared in the parade and remained a permanent fixture every year.
• There was a helium shortage two years in 1958 and in 2006 and this meant less balloons in the parade.
• Since 1980 Broadway show appearances have been part of the parade. The very first was the cast of “The Pirates of Penzance”. This year’s parade will feature five Broadway