Since 1924, every Thanksgiving in New York City, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is The biggest event on the calendar.
It has only been canceled three times in its 95-year history due to helium shortages during World War II. And in 2021, Covid changed all kinds of events around the world.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best spots to watch the parade, some tips for Thanksgiving Eve, and even some balloon failures over the years.
I also wrote this article about where you can have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in New York to make some great memories together.
What does Thanksgiving actually celebrate?
For readers outside the US, Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all about stuffing your face with turkey and green bean casserole (Click here for my recipe >>) and spent the entire afternoon watching soccer from the vantage point of the couch.
but thank god for the harvestthat’s the true meaning of Thanksgiving – ever since the Pilgrims first came to America from England and harvested the first crops.
By the way, Autumn New England Road Trip It’s just magic. (Bookmark this article for next year!)
In November 1621, the Thanksgiving tradition began when newly arrived Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians from southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island gathered in Plymouth for a fall harvest festival.
Most blogs about iconic things Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade In New York City, the focus is on the event itself; This article covers all the funny and scary balloon accidents over the years.
The Macy’s Parade was originally a Christmas parade with Santa enthroned. On the balcony of Macy’s on 34th Street. And if you’re planning on heading to the Big Apple during this most magical time of the year, we’ve added a great post on how to spend a gorgeous Christmas in New York.
But giant helium balloons first appeared in 1927 and have been a feature of the parade ever since, with nearly 8,000 handlers, wranglers, marching bands and floats now participating in front of more than 3 million spectators. , with millions more watching the three-hour parade. On TV.
Pro tip: The night before the parade is an event in itself A must-go place if you’re in town – the place to fill this monster with helium right by Central Park He then held it under the net until the next day’s flight.
In 2023, Leo the lizard debuted at nearly 13 meters tall. Balloons of this size can cost up to $500,000 just to fill with helium.
And as Thanksgiving Day dawns, one can only imagine how difficult it will be for the “balloon charmers,” with up to 30 people per balloon, to control these beasts if the weather turns bad .
Where’s the best place to see Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons for free?
Check the official route and the best position Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Website >
And yes, there have been some Thanksgiving Day balloon disasters over the years. Scroll down to watch the video of Barney’s death.
The balloons in the Thanksgiving Day parade are going wild!
1927: felix the cat He was the first to appear in the parade, but got tangled in telephone wires and started a fire.
1957: Popeye In the pouring rain, the sailor’s hat filled with water, causing him to veer off course, dousing an unsuspecting, hapless crowd with 50 gallons of water.
1985: Kermit the Frog I experienced a severe stomach injury and fell to the ground in a heap.
1986: Raggedy Ann It collided with a lamppost and was thrown onto the road. same year, superman My hand was torn off by a tree. There were no injuries in either accident.
1993: sonic the hedgehog It crashed into a lamppost at Columbus Circle, breaking the shoulder of an off-duty police officer.
1994: barney His side was torn open by a streetlamp and he had to be removed from the parade with the help of knife-wielding officials, screaming children and cheering adults.
1995: dudley the dragonA man leading the parade was speared against a lamppost, deflated and showered with glass on the crowd below.
1997: This is the worst balloon disaster I’ve found. A strong wind swept in cat in the hat Inside the lamppost. Falling debris hit a parade participant, fracturing his skull and leaving him in a coma for a month. She sued the city for $395 million and “settled for an undisclosed amount” in 2001. Then, in 1998, size regulations were implemented, banning the use of larger balloons.
Due to the same strong winds, New York police also had to stab and stomp. barney Regarding crowd concerns. they also stabbed pink panther For the same reason. I searched Youtube for 2 days looking for videos of balloon stabbing, but unfortunately I couldn’t find anything. (Please comment if you have any questions!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2wdpXBEgqI
2005: M&MA balloon got caught on a streetlight in Times Square. Two sisters were directly hit by falling debris and suffered injuries including broken teeth. The M&M balloons have been discontinued since 2006, replaced by floats saluting Broadway theaters and musicals. The sisters got a lifetime supply of M&Ms.
2008: The balloon carried away NBC’s camera booth, taking photos of them in the air. There is no word on who was responsible for injecting the mischievous gas.
2011: of kool aid The child deflated and fell. I think I’m a little like some of the people he claims to support.
2012: Buzz Lightyear He tore his helmet, almost went over infinity and fell into the river, and his handler was taken to the hospital.
2019: Donald McDonald He suffered a laceration to his leg and had to be removed from the parade. He was still trapped under the net and noticed the tear in the morning, but Macy’s staff apparently couldn’t find the tape to fix the 3-inch tear and sent him home. However, as her tears grew larger and began to sag, she had to take them off for “aesthetic reasons.”
same day nutcracker cracked one of the handlers, knocking her to the ground. However, he was allowed to proceed.
I have more posts that I think you’ll like!
macy’s independence day fireworks displays, and a place to stand to get the best view.
Where to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in new york
how to have Gorgeous Christmas in New York
Why not read my post? How to spend a great New Year’s Eve in New York!
Please find the best dream thing that I chose new york rooftop restaurant In this post!
of best shoes for walking There are thousands of stairs in New York.
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