Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012: 9 Trivia Facts
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or simply the Macy's Day Parade, is religiously observed every Thanksgiving Day from New York City as presented and sponsored by American chain store Macy's.
And, though you probably have seen that silly Justin Bieber commercial, there's more to this traditional event than the "wink and nod Bieber Fever." Here are 9 trivia facts:
1. Second Oldest:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924, which makes it the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States — four years younger than the Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia
2. European Origins:
Owing to their European heritage, most Macy's employees during the 1920s wanted to incorporate their ancestors' traditions into the quintessentially American holiday. That's how we ended up with a parade on Thanksgiving.
3. King of the Kiddies:
America may have seceded from England to not have to deal with the monarchy, but we still like the pageantry. That's why, at the end of the Macy's parade, Santa Klaus is crowned "King of the Kiddies" at Herald Square.
4. Balloon Fail:
The Macy's parade emblematic balloons started off on the wrong foot. They were incorporated in the 1928 edition — at the end of which they were released into the sky where they unexpectedly burst (this prompted a redesign with safety valves that allowed them to float for a few days).
5. The First Mickey:
The first Mickey Mouse balloon entered the parade in 1934.
6. Broadcasting:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were first broadcast on local New York radio in 1932
7. War Times:
The parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944, during World War II, because of the need for rubber and helium in the war.
8. Miracle on the Street:
The parade became a landmark of American culture after being featured in the 1947 film, Miracle on 34th Street (which shows actual footage of the 1946 festivities).
9. The Tube:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was first broadcast on network television in 1948.
