WHO LOVES A PARADE?
By: Hope Wilkos, Monique Nolan, Writer/Blogger
PHOTO CREDITS: George Whylie
There is no better reminder of holiday cheer than to wake up on a brisk November morning in New York City and head outside.
The frigid air whips at my cheeks but it is well worth it because I am headed to the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the highlight and the tradition of all Thanksgivings around the nation. Walking along 5th Avenue, the department store windows already come alive with scenes of holiday tidings, taking me back to my childhood when this meant that Santa would soon be on his way to my house.
The sparkle and shining snowflakes in the window displays seemed to hypnotize me with their imaginative message. If not for a beeping New York City taxi cab, my fantasy would have remained my everlasting reality.
It was time to head over to the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade making its own magic for children, right there frozen in place and those in their pajamas sipping hot cocoa in front of the television. The street is lined with crowds of people as far as the eye can see. Even adults let their inner child appear making this a monumental event to experience at least once. Lo and behold, here comes Snoopy, forever young, flying high above as the wind cooperates to make the parade complete.
The marching bands have practiced long hours to make it to this spot with memories made that will not soon be forgotten. We saw the likes of Spider Man and a huge turkey as well as Dora the Explorer gliding by and waving to all from her own special float.
Clowns ran and roller bladed through the crowds wishing children a very Happy Thanksgiving! Graceful horses galloped down 6th Avenue. The largest float so far was Toothless, a dragon of huge proportions but certainly no real danger to anyone.
The Pillsbury Doughboy was suspended in air with a big smile and a chubby belly full of dough. Pikachu had rosy red cheeks and was absolutely adorable as he was flying high. Power rangers fought to the finish as they followed the parade route in costume and came close to their fans, only an arm’s length away.
Adults too look forward to the many stars sitting perched atop their theme-based floats. This year brought a most diverse list of performers to be enjoyed by all. Kellie Pickler of American Idol fame, Ariana Grande who is the newest teen sensation, Gavin DeGraw as one of the New York natives and very talented singer/songwriter , Kristin Chenoweth who warms hearts with her wholesome smile and a permanent fixture at the parade, Jimmy Fallon and his band, The Roots. There were even some famous sports stars like Joe Namath. The best part of all is that there is excitement for every generation that comes with the tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Parade trivia is just for fun but there are some facts that may not be known. The parade is seen by over 3.5 million people in New York City and 50 million viewers from their living rooms. Macy’s has been the proud sponsor since the parade’s inception and you can find their name splashed across balloons, floats, musical instruments and on the backs of many a balloon handler, clown or parade volunteer. The first life-size balloon to make its way down the parade route many, many years ago was Felix The Cat. From 1942-1944, the parade was abruptly halted because of a helium and rubber shortage due to World War II. But it came back with a fury in 1946 as the parade was transported into the living rooms of millions of families . It has won an Emmy twelve times in its history for outstanding achievement. Over 8,000 volunteers get up at the crack of dawn to help make the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the success that it continues to be. Ninety seems to be the magic number of handlers required to walk each of the balloons down the parade route.
The culmination of the parade is a procession of elves, an adorable Chippey, the Elf on the Shelf who is larger than life high above the crowds and then Santa approaches on his sleigh with a big ho, ho and a smile and a wave to all good girls and boys. For years, that has signified the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The festivities are only getting started as the parade comes to an end. Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center offer a day of skating and warm hot chocolate while Magnolia Bakery draws visitors with the smell of luscious sweets and many a tourist attraction is still open for business, such as the Empire State Building with “no lines and no wait” as the guides yell out. Shopping is going on throughout the day and the larger stores opened their doors this year at 8:00 p.m. for a preview of what was to come on Black Friday.
Many Broadway Shows don’t take a holiday but a bucket list surprise is definitely Radio City Music Halls’ Christmas Spectacular starring the famous Radio City Rockettes. Seeing this amazing live show will immediately put you into the holiday spirit with spirited dancers in dazzling sequined costumes stepping in perfect rhythm and harmony. Toy soldiers and sweet-looking bears come to life right before your eyes.
Santa gives you the ‘go ahead’ to put on your 3-D glasses for an interactive experience that can’t be beat. Camels and sheep march across the stage in a magnificent nativity scene reminiscent of the day that Baby Jesus was born. Radio City Music Hall is caught up in a flurry of snowflakes, large and small. This is such an enchanting way to end your Thanksgiving and begin your Christmas.
The holidays are a time to make the most of our lives and show our appreciation for all our friends and family. Experiencing it in the heart of New York City is an extra added holiday bonus.
PHOTO CREDITS: George Whylie
VIDEO: Maxine Nolan
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