MACY’S FAMED GIANT CHARACTER HELIUM BALLOONS TAKE FLIGHT FOR THE 87TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE®
FROM DRILL TEAMS TO DRUMMERS, THE NATION’S TOP BANDS AND PERFORMANCE GROUPS WILL GET THE CROWD EXCITED AS THE 87TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE® BRINGS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON
THE 87TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE® FILLS THE STREETS WITH MAGICAL FLOATING STAGES
THE 87TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE® MARKS THE START OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE NATION’S MOST BELOVED SPECTACLE, FEATURING GIANT HELIUM BALLOONS, FLOATS OF WONDER, PULSE-POUNDING MARCHING BANDS, ENGAGING PERFORMANCE GROUPS, CELEBRITY APPEARANCES, AND THE ONE-AND-ONLY SANTA CLAUS
The nation’s most beloved spectacle returns for another year of magic as the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® kicks off the holiday season. On Thursday, Nov. 28 at 9 a.m., more than 8,000 participants will set down the streets of Manhattan at the sound of the time honored words Let’s Have a Parade™. Against a backdrop of more than 3.5 million spectators and more than 50 million viewers nationwide, the Macy’s Parade’s signature elements including its giant balloons, floats of fantasy, performers and the one-and-only Santa Claus, will ring in the 
holiday season with an unrivaled celebration.
From its modest beginnings in 1924 with only about a dozen elements to the grand spectacular we know today, the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® lineup unfolds each year with breathtaking pageantry. This year the lineup of wonder features 15 giant character balloons; 37 large- scale, novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 30 floats; 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers; 900 clowns; 11 marching bands; and a host of celebrity performers.
“I’m pretty sure the magicians at Macy’s Parade Studio have once again made it onto Santa’s nice list,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “As America’s best high school and college marching bands, hundreds of dancers, cheerleaders, clowns, and balloon handlers make their way down the streets of New York for our 87th march, they will be joined by four brand new giant character balloons, five new intricately designed floats and one spinning dreidel. These new entries join the already stellar grouping of balloons, floats, performers and adorable kids that will once again make Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the perfect way for everyone to begin their Thanksgiving holiday.”
Each Thanksgiving morning, as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a special group is invited to join Kule to lead the Parade down the streets of Manhattan. Often these groups feature exceptional individuals who are making a contribution to the city or nation. This year, students from FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), along with specially-created robots designed by the selected students, will help kick off the march. FIRST is a nationwide organization that aims to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by building skills through a mentor-based program.
Enhancing the Parade’s signature entertainment will be the world-famous Radio City Rockettes® helping to kick-off the holidays, along with performances from Broadway’s best musicals including “Matilda,” “Motown” and more. In addition, the first hour of the national broadcast will feature a special appearance by Carrie Underwood and members of the cast of NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!”
The 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will step-off at 77th Street and Central Park West. The procession will travel down to Columbus Circle, turn onto Central Park South and march down via 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas to 34th Street. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
No Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be complete without star power coming from all sectors of the entertainment arena. Joining the festivities this year are the Big Apple Circus; Kristin Chenoweth; Cherokee National Youth Choir; Chica and the gang from Sprout; Cirque du Soleil®; Gavin DeGraw; Brett Eldredge; Fall Out Boy; Jimmy Fallon and The Roots with the cast of “Sesame Street”; Fifth Harmony; Florida Georgia Line; Goo Goo Dolls; Ariana Grande; Jack Hannah; Megan Hilty; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings; Sandra Lee; Cher Lloyd; Austin Mahone; Mannheim Steamroller; Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri; NFL legends Joe Namath, Bart Oates, Amani Toomer and Hines Ward; NHL legends Cam Neely and Mike Richter; Kellie Pickler; The Robertson family from A&E®’s hit series “Duck Dynasty®”; Debby Ryan; Richard Simmons; and The Summer Set.
Nationwide, Thanksgiving Day celebrations are never complete without tuning in to the national broadcast of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC. Regularly one of the nation’s most viewed events, millions of families tune in every year to watch the revelry unfold. This year, the TODAY Show’s Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie will anchor the three-hour broadcast from 9 a.m. – Noon in all time zones. Enhancing the Parade’s signature entertainment will be the world-famous Radio City Rockettes® helping to kick-off the holidays, along with performances from Broadway’s best musicals including “Matilda,” “Motown,” and more. In addition, the first hour of the national broadcast will feature a special appearance by Carrie Underwood and members of the cast of NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!”
BALLOON GIANTS SOAR
Let them take flight! On Thanksgiving Day, a new cast of balloon characters and some returning favorites will soar in the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From a beloved beagle to a fearsome dragon, the Parade’s signature line-up of balloons are set to thrill millions of spectators.
The Parade’s signature giant character balloons are one of the procession’s most famous elements, each year drawing millions of cheers from spectators young and old. Joining the lineup this year are two returning favorites with brand new designs, and two never-before-seen characters set to take flight this Thanksgiving. Making their Thanksgiving Day debuts are pop culture sensations Adventure Time with Finn and Jake; the world-famous beagle Snoopy with his pal Woodstock; the eternal undersea optimist SpongeBob SquarePants; and the loveable night fury dragon Toothless from “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Set to mark the 75th Anniversary of The Wizard of OZ™, a 47-foot tall, giant hot air balloon emblazoned with the portraits of the characters from the classic film, will glide down the route carrying the Wizard of Oz™ himself! Along for the ride below will be Dorothy™ and special balloonhead characters of the Scarecrow™, Tin Man™, Cowardly Lion™ and the Wicked Witch of the West™. In addition, to celebrate the first time in the Parade’s history that Thanksgiving falls on the first night of Hanukkah, a special spinning dreidel balloonicle will delight spectators as it spins its way down the route.
Rounding out the ballooning line-up are returning favorites including Buzz Lightyear; Diary of A Wimpy Kid®; The Elf on the Shelf®; Hello Kitty®; Julius; Papa Smurf; Pikachu; Pillsbury Doughboy®; Ronald McDonald®; Sonic the Hedgehog™ ; and Spider-Man®.
Starting out as a work of imagination put to paper by the skilled hands of a Macy’s Parade Studio artist, the new balloons each begin an almost year-long transformation. Every Macy’s Parade balloon combines artistic design with aerodynamics and engineering. Under the direction of John Piper, vice president and lead designer of Macy’s Parade Studio, the Studio’s design team and resident group of “Balloonatics” transform the drawing into a larger-than-life flying wonder. Ballooning experts, the Macy’s team in collaboration with consultants, Raven Aerostar, together calculate and perfect the balloon’s aerodynamic design. Once a flight-worthy balloon concept has been approved, it moves on to the clay and painted model construction phase. This step helps the team create a physical blueprint from which the balloon will be built. From there, giant reams of polyurethane fabric will be patterned, cut and sealed together to create multiple chambers, which ultimately produce the character’s head, body and limbs. Once the balloon has been created and painted to the exact specifications required of the character, it will undergo many tests including indoor and outdoor flights, inflation and deflation tests, and final touch-ups before its inaugural flight in the Macy’s Parade.
Following is the complete listing of balloons in the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade GIANT CHARACTER BALLOONS …
ADVENTURE TIME WITH FINN AND JAKE – CARTOON NETWORK
Pop culture sensations Finn and Jake of the hit series “Adventure Time,” take to the sky for the first time. Finn has his sword at the ready and Jake is set to roll against any wizards or evil creatures they may encounter on their journey. Measuring 57-feet long, 26-feet wide and 40-feet tall, Finn and Jake are turbo psyched for an awesome adventure as millions of fans celebrate their maiden voyage.
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR – DISNEY•PIXAR
Disney•Pixar’s superhero Buzz Lightyear, returns for his sixth trip down the streets of New York. Toy Story’s fearless, Inter-galactic Space Ranger measures 67.7-feet long, 39.9-feet wide and 34.3-feet tall. Taking a break from starring in “Toy Story OF TERROR!” with his pals, Buzz will fly from Central Park West to Herald Square … and beyond this Thanksgiving.
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID® – AMULET BOOKS, AN IMPRINT OF ABRAMS
Greg Heffley returns once again to the skies of New York City clutching his “diary”/journal, to the delight of millions of kids. At 60-feet long, 25-feet wide, and 56-feet tall, wimpy is not the right word to describe this balloon behemoth. Clutching his precious diary close for comfort and security, Greg is excited to celebrate millions of copies of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books in print and the completion of his eighth book, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck,” this holiday season.
THE ELF ON THE SHELF® – CCA AND B, LLC
The Elf on the Shelf will take his second flight in the Macy’s Parade this Thanksgiving. Sent by Santa Claus to watch over good little boys and girls around the world, the Elf on the Shelf will take his reporting duties to new heights, measuring 46-feet tall, 28-feet wide and 64-feet long, in the Parade line-up. Reveling in the recent release of his birthday-themed book sequel, the Elf on the Shelf is sure to be in an even more celebratory mood than usual!
HELLO KITTY® – SANRIO INC.
Flying high in her airplane and wearing her trademark red bow, Hello Kitty returns to spread happiness and friendship along the Parade route and into homes across the country. Her retro airplane design is based on one of the first Hello Kitty looks from the 1970s and a visual nod to her 40th anniversary next year! Hello Kitty flies at 36-feet tall, 38-feet wide and 50-feet long, as she soars over the Big Apple bringing smiles to her millions of fans.
JULIUS – PAUL FRANK™
From the world of Paul Frank, check out Julius! Everyone’s favorite monkey is rocketing through the streets of New York in style as one of the largest balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! Measuring 41-feet tall, 65-feet long and 39-feet wide, Julius brings his world-famous smile and awesomeness to millions of fans.
PAPA SMURF – SONY PICTURES ANIMATION
Papa Smurf is taking a break from helping Smurfette and the rest of the Smurfs battle evil wizard Gargamel in this past summer’s hit film “The Smurfs 2,” for a return flight on Thanksgiving Day. Jumping for joy and dancing his way down the route, Papa Smurf sports a festive bow tie and baton, as he clicks his heels to the holiday fun. Measuring 51-feet tall, 36-feet wide and 46-feet long, Papa Smurf will help usher in a Happy Smurfgiving to one and all!
PIKACHU – THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL
Pikachu lights up Thanksgiving once again with its signature electrifying presence and rosy glowing cheeks. Measuring 53.5-feet high, 36.9-feet wide and 40.8-feet long, Pikachu is set to celebrate the holiday season and the massive worldwide launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, chasing a Poke-ball down the Parade route.
PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY® – PILLSBURY®
The Pillsbury Doughboy®, with his warm smile and world-famous giggle, is ready to once again ring in the holidays flying down the streets of Manhattan. Known for bringing families together to share delicious baked treats, the Doughboy will rise to the top and transform from his normal 8 ¾-inch frame to a balloon giant measuring 53.7-feet long, 34.4-feet wide and 46.4-feet tall.
RONALD McDONALD® – McDONALD’S®
The world’s most famous clown Ronald McDonald® returns to the Parade to kick-off the holiday season. Delighting millions of families, Ronald skates down the route, sporting the world’s largest pair of ice skates. Measuring 76.4-feet long, 28.8-feet wide and 48.6-feet tall, Ronald is always in a playful mood as he flies through the air smiling at spectators young and old.
SNOOPY AND WOODSTOCK – PEANUTS WORLDWIDE
The beagle’s clinched the title, no question about it, as Snoopy, the world’s most famous companion with a wildly imaginative, supremely confident, canine master of disguise personality, returns to the Macy’s Parade. The newest Snoopy balloon will take flight along with his pal Woodstock, marking another record setting stint in the holiday spectacle – his 37th flight and seventh balloon. Measuring 67-feet long, 27-feet wide and 38-feet tall, Snoopy and Woodstock will have Peanuts fans rejoicing at the return of their beloved duo.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG™ – SEGA®
With his massive blue spikes, signature white gloves and red sneakers, Sonic the Hedgehog is zooming into the atmosphere and causing a blur of activity across the sky! The Parade’s first-ever balloon based on a video game character returns for a third flight down Manhattan. Sonic measures 50-feet tall, 55-feet long, and 37-feet wide, as he sprints down the route.
SPIDER-MAN®
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Back to patrol the skyline and protect the citizens of the city is The Amazing Spider-Man! New York’s own friendly neighborhood Super Hero™ takes to the skies over Manhattan to delight millions of kids and adults. Spider-Man, in full wall-crawling action mode with one hand set to release his web, floats down the route measuring 78-feet long, 37.8-feet wide and standing 29.1-feet tall.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS – NICKELODEON
Holding on to his Christmas hat, SpongeBob SquarePants, the world-famous eternal optimist, returns to the Macy’s Parade! The sponge-tastic resident of Bikini Bottom takes a little vacation for a dip in the blue of New York City’s famed skyline to celebrate the start of the holidays. Based on Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, SpongeBob continues his run as the first-ever square balloon in the Parade standing at 44-feet tall, 41-feet long and 34-feet wide. His unique and iconic shape is made possible by more than 800 internal tie-lines that pull the single chamber sphere balloon into a square.
TOOTHLESS – DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
This Thanksgiving, a mythical dragon will be spotted over the skies of New York City as millions of spectators catch a glimpse of the fierce but beloved Toothless. Star of the “How To Train Your Dragon” movies and television series, Toothless measures 72-feet long, 36-feet wide and is 48-feet tall. The color of midnight with glowing green eyes and an enigmatic grin, Toothless is positioned with his giant wings folded in a landing pose ready to descend among the gathered crowds.
SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY … THE WIZARD OF OZ™ HOT AIR BALLOON AND BALLOONHEADS – WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Set to mark the 75th Anniversary of The Wizard of OZ™, a 47-foot tall, giant hot air balloon emblazoned with the portraits of the characters from the classic film, will glide down the route carrying the Wizard of Oz™ himself! Along for the ride below will be Dorothy™ and special balloonhead characters of the Scarecrow™, Tin Man™, Cowardly Lion™ and the Wicked Witch of the West™.
BALLOONING CAST INCLUDES …
ARRTIE, THE PIRATE
Arrtie the Pirate, a recreation of the classic Pirate balloon of 1947, returns! Standing 36-feet tall, Arrtie, with map in hand, is on a search for holiday treasure this Thanksgiving.
AFLAC DUCK – AFLAC, INC.
Quacking down the route for the third time is the loveable Aflac Duck! The famed spokesduck will once again take on a new form for the festivities as a 35-foot tall balloonicle. Riding on a sleigh and wearing a festive scarf, the Aflac Duck balloonicle will continue to be a sure-fire hit and have fans quacking “Afflaaac” all along the Parade route.
BIG MAN SANTA
The star of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the big man himself – Santa Claus. To pay tribute to his star status, Macy’s Parade Studio magicians have created a fantastic balloon depicting a cheery Kris Kringle with a rather jolly belly, this time full of helium. Big Man Santa measures 26-feet in height and 21-feet in width for his Thanksgiving flight.
FLYING FISH
Expert fishermen may have thought this big one got away, but Flying Fish is an amazing catch! Bounding down Manhattan and stretching out to a full 30-feet, this classic recreation of the 1951 classic is one happy halibut.
HAPPY HIPPO – UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT
Debuting in the line-up this year before heading down to celebrate the holidays daily in Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Orlando, is Happy Hippo. A recreation of a classic Parade balloon which first appeared in 1940, Happy has added a bit of red ribbon and holly to her wardrobe to celebrate the season. With 12-inch long eyelashes framing her big blue eyes, and smiling from ear to ear, Happy is set for her New York City debut this year.
HAROLD THE FIREMAN
Who better to salute the city’s bravest, the men and women of the New York Fire Department, than that lovable character Harold the Fireman! Originally seen in the Parade of 1948, Harold is a recreation of the original balloon. At a height of 32-feet, New Yorkers can rest assured that he will keep a watchful eye over the city.
HAROLD THE POLICEMAN
Joining his Fireman twin is the Parade’s newest recreation, Harold the Policeman. Joining the line-up after his first stint in service in 1947, Harold the Policeman salutes the NYPD for keeping us safe.
KIT, CHARLIE & C.J. ELF
The Gnome Balloon from the 40s 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.”
KOOL-AID MAN – KRAFT FOODS
Oh Yeah! It’s the Kool-Aid Man! The cherry-flavored icon returns to the Big Apple to show off his super cool moves. Always smiling, the Kool-Aid Man sails down the route on his skateboard measuring 33-feet tall and 24-feet wide and wearing size 130 sneakers. The gigantic pitcher is large enough to carry over 1.3 million cups of the newest Kool-Aid flavors launching in 2014 – Green Apple and Sharkleberry Fin!
MACY’S STARS
Macy’s is the star of the Parade as its signature five-pointed namesake and Believe stars fly high in a variety of colors and configurations. Celebrating the famed red star that guided R.H. Macy to shore during his days as a seaman, the Macy’s star still shines today.
MACY’S ORNAMENT BALLOONS/BALLOONICLES/BALLOONHEADS
Macy’s knows how to accessorize the holidays! Featuring a balloon cast that includes pumpkins, a baseball, football and balloonheads of founding fathers and Pilgrims – the Parade’s novelty balloons are a sight to behold. New this year, to mark the start of Hanukkah, which falls on Thanksgiving for the first time in centuries, a spinning dreidel balloonicle will delight spectators as it spins its way down the route.
BULLDOG & TOUGH GUY / NUTCRACKER AND MOUSE KING TRYCALOONS
It’s all in the pedaling! A Macy’s innovation combining a cold-air balloon and tandem tricycle, the trycaloons offer a fun new level of interaction along the route. Featuring a classic Bulldog and Tough Guy characters, along with the Nutcracker and Mouse King, fans of slapstick will enjoy these pedaling marvels.
THE PLANET EARTH BALLOON / POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE – SABAN BRANDS
The Power Rangers Super Megaforce are making their MEGA debut at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Saving the world from evil, this iconic team of superheroes calls on legendary Power Rangers from the past and the future. With the Power Rangers Super Megaforce on hand, and some added help from surprise guests, the Earth is well protected this Turkey Day.
RED/WHITE CANDY CANE
Kids will scream in delight wishing they could get their hands on this sweet treat. This 20-foot tall candy cane is a holiday favorite on a sky-high sugar rush.
UNCLE SAM
Stars and Stripes Forever! Let’s hear it for the red, white and blue as Uncle Sam makes his way down the route in true patriotic spirit. The first Uncle Sam balloon debuted in the Parade in 1938. This recreation of the original represents everything American, from our shared values to our freedoms. Uncle Sam is a proud citizen of the Parade and the U.S.A.!
VIRGINIA
Virginia, the little girl who taught everybody to believe, soars once again. Modeled after the animated version of eight-year old Virginia O’Hanlon, who famously wrote to the editor of the “New York Sun” about the existence of Santa Claus, Virginia is ready to kick off the holidays, but first she must get that letter in the mail.
FLOATING FANTASY
A wondrous flotilla of fantasy will roll down the streets of Manhattan as the out-of-this world landscapes of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s signature floats transport spectators to lands of fantasy.
Macy’s Parade’s signature floating stages set the scene for worlds of fantasy and delight that take spectators on magical journeys. Joining the lineup will be the scrumptious madness of Despicably Delicious!; the fantastic flying ship and acrobatic wonder of the Dreamseeker; the delectable puppetry aboard the Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate; the undersea beauty of marine life on A Sea of Surprises; and the adventurous activities aboard the cruising vessel on A World at Sea.
Thanks to the imagination, creative and skilled hands of the artists at Macy’s Parade Studio, these whimsical floating marvels set the scene for magical destinations. Using foam, wood, metal and paint as their tools of the trade, the Studio team designs and constructs every inch of the creations that will dazzle spectators on Parade Day.
Hitting the streets as 360-degree masterpieces, the floats begin their Thanksgiving journey as a one-dimensional sketch. From there, the Studio’s team of designers, carpenters, painters, animators, metal fabricators and electricians work to bring each to larger-than-life form. Factors including creative inspiration, performance considerations, safety, and most importantly, assembly and disassembly guide the creation process. From weather to final dimensions, the team transforms the creative vision into a work of art and of engineering.
Dimensions are key for any new Macy’s Parade float. While many can be several stories tall and several lanes of traffic wide, everything imagined, designed and built must fit through New York’s Lincoln Tunnel. With Macy’s Parade Studio located in New Jersey, miles and a river away from the Parade route, the floats must all travel through the tunnel conforming to no more than 12.5-feet tall and 8-feet wide in size. While that is the first hurdle on Parade eve, the next is the overnight assembly of the entire fleet. With the help of several cranes and extra manpower, one-by-one the floats come to life and are prepared for their Thanksgiving Day duties.
The Following is the complete listing of floats in the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
NOTE: ALL TALENT, PERFORMANCES, ELEMENTS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
1-2-3 SESAME STREET - SESAME WORKSHOP
The stoop of 1-2-3 Sesame Street is a magical place where friends gather to celebrate the joy of the season. Along with Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo and their friends, the most famous street in the world celebrates its 44th season as it comes to life for a Thanksgiving Day celebration. At 32-feet long, 20-feet wide, and 2-stories tall, Sesame Street will rock when Jimmy Fallon and The Roots along with the gang from “Sesame Street” perform the classic “Somebody Come and Play.
BIG APPLE
THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The city that never sleeps provides the inspiration for the “New York Daily News” Big Apple float. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and of course Macy’s, share the landscape with New York’s signature taxi cabs and subway stations. With a giant 30-foot inflatable apple at its core, the float perfectly represents the frenzied and bustling city. Helping to capture the energy of this lively metropolis will be NFL legends Bart Oates, Amani Toomer, Hines Ward and more, celebrating next year’s hometown Super Bowl XLVIII.
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE – HESS CORPORATION
Hitting the road ready to fuel the Thanksgiving revelry is the Hess Bridge to the Future float. Featuring iconic New York City transportation hubs, the float includes a reproduction of New York City’s famed Brooklyn Bridge and a look forward at the Delta Y Tri-Suspension Bridge of Tomorrow. At 32-feet long, 20-feet wide and 30-feet tall, the float also incorporates an elevated highway and features the debut of the 2013 Hess Toy Truck and Tractor. On board to rock the bridge will be pop sensation Cher Lloyd.
CORNUCOPIA
A Thanksgiving marvel, the Cornucopia float features a giant horn of plenty overflowing with fall’s favorite fruits and harvest. Giant grapes, cherries, pumpkins and other delectable treats adorn the 38-foot long and 21-foot wide scrumptious delight. On board to share in the bounty of the season will be the Cherokee National Youth Choir performing “Alleluia.”
DAYTIME, PLAY TIME, NIGHT TIME TOO…
SPROUT®
From a playful barnyard, to play time on a stream aboard a newspaper sailboat, and finally to a night time oasis atop a giant tree house, children’s limitless imagination takes to the physical world in spectacular form on Sprout’s imaginative float. From breakfast to bedtime Sprout’s TV tableau showcases preschoolers daily activities. From fun pursuits to learning about kindness, it’s always a spectacular day filled with friends. Joining the Parade procession on board the float this year will be Chica, the world’s most famous chicken from Sprout’s daily “Sunny Side Up Show,” her co-stars – including the newest Sunny Side Up host, as well as Nina from “The Good Night Show” all singing “Kindness Counts” – which celebrates the kind acts that Sprout encourages preschoolers to do each day.
DESPICABLY DELICIOUS! - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
It will be a deliciously despicable Thanksgiving this year as the famed Minions from “Despicable Me 2” whip up a mix of goodies and mayhem for spectators. The confectionary scene on this 20-foot high, 33-feet long classic bake shop-themed float features larger-than-life cupcakes. Measuring 3.5-feet tall and 2-feet wide, these scrumptious delights will have millions of spectators craving a bite, as they encounter a new character along the route. On board for the fun will be Gru and the Minions.
DORA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL ADVENTURE - NICKELODEON’S DORA THE EXPLORER
For the holidays, Dora and her friends are off on an adventure to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Exploring the past, present and future of Christmas at her nochebuena party, Dora and the gang are set to help Swiper get off Santa’s naughty list. Featured on the colorful float is a stunning 12-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with dazzling ornaments and holiday gifts. On board with Dora for this holiday trek is the star of Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat” and music sensation Ariana Grande.
DREAMSEEKER
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL®
This year, during the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Cirque du Soleil takes the streets of New York City by storm with the DREAMSEEKER by Cirque du Soleil, a huge, one-of-a-kind float in the form of a flying ship. At 52-feet long, 23-feet wide and 35-feet high, the grand ship is the one of the longest, tallest and widest floats in the Thanksgiving Day spectacle. Seeming to take flight, thanks in part to giant antique wings, DREAMSEEKER comes complete with custom-designed trampolines, Chinese poles and an incredible performance that will allow the magic and artistry of Cirque du Soleil to shine as the procession unfolds. Spectators along the route and in homes across the nation will be in for an incredible treat as the Cirque du Soleil troupe of 20 plus acrobats and characters perform feats of fantasy.
THE ENCHANTING WORLD OF LINDT CHOCOLATE
LINDT CHOCOLATE
Rising three stories above a spectacular chocolate shop, the new Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate float features a larger-than-life Lindt Master Chocolatier that has the world dancing on a string as he orchestrates the pouring and casting of LINDT BEAR and other chocolate figures for the holidays. Through a little Macy’s Parade magic, the Lindt Master Chocolatier makes live puppets and giant spoons work in tandem to create incredibly delicious premium chocolate delights. On board for the holiday revelry will be the Goo Goo Dolls.
FROZEN FALL FUN
2013 DISCOVER NHL THANKSGIVING SHOWDOWN
The Frozen Fall Fun float returns to delight hockey fans of all ages as they root for kids on the home team. Transforming a hometown backyard into an ice rink for the ultimate hockey showdown complete with a giant Turkey Goalie, this will be a spectacular Thanksgiving Day slap shot contest. On board for the Turkey Day classic will be country music sensation Kellie Pickler along with NHL greats Cam Neely and Mike Richter.
GOLDFISH® ON PARADE - PEPPERIDGE FARM GOLDFISH
Finn and his Goldfish friends Gilbert, Brooke and Xtreme, return for another impromptu parade. Inspired by Macy’s great American tradition, the Goldfish on Parade are led by Finn in a dapper top hat and shades. Xtreme uses pencils to “stilt walk” down the route while Brooke drives the wind-up car which tows Gilbert on his float made of buttons, caps and a whistle. The march comes to life as it seemingly jumps out of a New York City pop-up book complete with a classic toy balloon. On board for the Turkey Day fun will be X-Factor standouts Fifth Harmony.
INTERNATIONAL CELE-BEAR-ATION CLOCK TOWER - BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP®
Build-A-Bear Workshop® is sharing hugs worldwide! The International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower float celebrates everyone’s favorite childhood friend – the Teddy Bear. Huggable mascots Bearemy® and Pawlett Coufur® join their international furry friends. From country to country a bear hug is understood in any language. Along for the ride down Manhattan will be internet and recording sensation Austin Mahone.
IT’S ALL ROCK & ROLL - GIBSON BRANDS®
It’s All Rock & Roll on this incredible float celebrating the almighty guitar! Featuring a massive Gibson “Les Paul” guitar as its centerpiece, the float takes us to the ultimate concert. Complete with real stage truss work, lighting and staging, the float comes alive and pays tribute to modern music performance. From a rainbow of LED lighting to speaker stacks, a DJ booth and multi-level stage, all genres of music lead back to Rock & Roll. On board to wow the crowd will be country superstar group Florida Georgia Line.
MARION-CAROLE SHOWBOAT
Sailing full steam down the streets of New York is the largest vessel to ever float down the line of march, the Marion-Carole Showboat. The Showboat is a 33-foot tall, 16-foot wide and 42-foot long masterpiece. Complete with an authentic-looking paddlewheel and twin smokestacks, the Showboat is a sight to behold. Joining the sail down Manhattan will be the The Robertson family from A&E®’s hit series “Duck Dynasty®.”
MOUNT RUSHMORE’S AMERICAN PRIDE - SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
From the Badlands to the Black Hills, and of course the iconic faces etched on Mount Rushmore, South Dakota’s heritage, attractions and natural beauty are showcased on Mount Rushmore’s American Pride float. The stage captures the memorial flanked by South Dakota’s most majestic scenery. From rivers and pine forests, ancient dinosaur fossils to Great Plains animals and their American Indian legacy, the float is a majestic representation of the great state that is set to celebrate its 125th birthday next year. Helping to celebrate this Thanksgiving will be the legendary Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.
ON THE ROLL AGAIN - HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON®
Classic wooden pull toys are back! An adorable duck family is on the roll again as Lewis the Duck and his colorful kin take to the streets. Dressed in a dapper hat and carrying a backpack, Lewis is taking his flock on a holiday getaway. The Homewood Suites by Hilton mascot lets his feet do the “cranking,” pulling his wife Lois, and kids Lance and Lisa, down the line of march with their luggage in tow. Joining the merriment will be Broadway and Television star Megan Hilty performing “Merry Christmas Darling.”
PEP RALLY - SPIRIT OF AMERICA PRODUCTIONS
Putting the pep in the step off and spreading holiday spirit is the Pep Rally float. More than 20 spirited cheerleading kids will show they really do know how to get the party started as they cheer in the holidays. On board the jolly ride are up and coming stars and the winners of Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star content, The Summer Set, performing their hit summer anthem “Boomerang.”
SANTA’S SLEIGH
It’s time to BELIEVE, as the one-and-only Santa Claus makes his way to Macy’s Herald Square straight from his home in the North Pole. Depicting Santa’s magical night of travel on Christmas Eve, we see good old St. Nick as he leaves his snowy sanctuary to begin his enchanting journey around the globe. The North Pole is showcased by Santa’s Toyshop and a giant ice and granite obelisk that is supported by ice sculptures of a Walrus and a Polar Bear. Santa’s Sleigh is a colossal float that measures 60-feet long, 22-feet wide and is 3.5 stories tall.
A SEA OF SURPRISES - SEAWORLD®
From sea turtles, penguins and angel fish to sharks and breaching whales, amazing oceanic sculptures abound on the new float celebrating almost 50 years of entertaining and inspiring millions of guests. Featuring rolling ocean waves, the gentle movement of swaying kelp and a vibrant school of tropical fish, the scene will take spectators on an extraordinary undersea journey full of surprises. Taking center stage on the SeaWorld® “A Sea of Surprises” float is the iconic Shamu®, breaching 27-feet above millions of Parade spectators lining the streets of Manhattan.
THE SMURFS™ - SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
The Smurfs™ take a break from Smurf Village for another fun-filled day in Manhattan, as they ride down the Parade route on a smurf-tastic float with the Papa Smurf balloon. The float features a replica of The Smurfs’ legendary mushroom houses
STIRRIN’ UP SWEET SENSATIONS - DOMINO® SUGAR
Holiday baking takes center stage on this 26-foot tall float featuring a giant cookie dough bowl and cookie press that dishes out the scrumptious confections. As it travels into the cookie press, the dough drops in perfect dollops onto the turnt