STATEN ISLAND, NY — As we look forward to an even bigger and better Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — featuring four new balloons and four new floats — why not take a moment to enjoy vintage photos of past parades?
The parade will begin Thursday, November 24, on 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 a.m., traveling the 2.5 mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and heading down Sixth Avenue, before turning west at 34th Street and ends on Seventh Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
The 2022 event will be a testament to the unique artistry and quality craftsmanship of every element of the parade that walks the streets of NYC, making it one of the state’s most beloved traditions.
Long before they see the streets of the Big Apple, beloved costumes, floats, and balloons come to life Inside a 72,000-square-foot warehouse in Moonachie, NJ There, a group of more than 30 skilled artists work year-round to prepare for the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade .
Macy’s tested its newest Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon earlier this month during its Balloonfest event at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ
Macy’s Parade Studio—headquarters for all the painters, carpenters, animators, and many other experts who construct the larger-than-life elements of a show—is where all the magic comes together beforehand.
This year, expect to see 300 pounds of glitter and 4,200 costumes.
But looking back to the 1920s to 1940s, when parade goers bought a corner apple for a penny as they watched the action along two Manhattan street blocks, you quickly realize that art and technology really have come. . long travel.
Peanuts Float featured in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade circa 1960. (Courtesy of Macy’s) Macy
Towering Uncle Sam balloons were featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the 1940s. (Source from Macy’s) Macy
The Sesame Street float debuted at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1978. (Courtesy of Macy’s) Macy
The Happy Dragon, the second parade balloon at Macy’s Parade, is shown in this 1927 photo. (Source from Macy’s) Macy
The Felix the Cat balloon first made its debut at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927. (Courtesy of Macy’s) Macy
The Tin Man float was featured in the 1940s at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Source from Macy’s) Macy
Clowns with giant heads march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1970. (Courtesy of Macy’s) Macy
The Soaring Spirit Canoe float is displayed at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in a photo Macy’s presumed was taken in the 2000s. (Source from Macy’s) Macy
The Eddie Cantor balloon, the first balloon based on a real person, was featured in the 1934 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Credit from Macy’s) Macy
A Santa Claus balloon travels the parade route in the 1940 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Credit from Macy’s)Macy
Harold the Ballplayer floats along the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1946. (Courtesy of Macy’s) Macy
Raggedy Ann was a crowd pleaser in years past.
Betty Boop is always a crowd pleaser.
Here’s a balloon display from the parade’s early years.
The Pink Panther has always been a crowd favorite.
Snoopy walks by Macy’s Herald Square in this vintage photo.
The Princess and the Pauper float was featured in parades decades ago. (Source from Macy’s)
The procession has definitely gone through transitions over the years.
Lego floats were featured in past parades. (Source from Macy’s)
Today’s floats have come a long way when compared to these floats from the early parades. (Source from Macy’s)
The elaborate costumes of the day highlight the float shown in this vintage photo. (Source from Macy’s)
The procession was certainly much better, when compared to the procession that thrilled many people at that time. (Source from Macy’s)
Santa Claus appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade decades ago. (Source from Macy’s)