The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, also known as the Thanksgiving Day Parade, has a rich history dating back to 1924. Here are some interesting facts about the parade’s history:
Origins: The parade was originally a Christmas parade, organized by employees of Macy’s in 1924 to celebrate the store’s expansion to its current flagship location at Broadway and 34th Street

. The parade was later renamed the Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927

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First broadcast: The parade was first broadcast on the radio in 1932, and it was first televised in 1946 in New York before being broadcast nationally on NBC the following year

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Balloons: Balloons have been a part of the parade since 1927, with well-known characters like Felix the Cat, Mickey Mouse, and Snoopy joining the lineup over the years

. The balloons were inspired by a balloon float in a 1924 Christmas parade

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Route: The parade’s route has changed over time. For years, the parade went down Broadway, but in 2009, the route was moved to Seventh Avenue due to new pedestrian plazas along Broadway

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Competition: While Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most well-known, other American cities also have parades on Thanksgiving, such as the Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, which debuted in 1920 and is now known as the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Overall, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has managed to entertain generations of viewers almost every year for nearly a century, despite some interruptions and mishaps along the way

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade location

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City. The parade starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West, then proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turns on Central Park South, and continues down 6th Avenue to 34th Street, where it makes its final stop in front of Macy’s Herald Square location.

. The best viewing spots for the parade are along Central Park West, between West 75th and West 61st Streets, and along 6th Avenue from West 59th to 38th Street

. However, it’s important to note that there are restricted viewing areas, such as 6th Avenue between West 34th Street and West 38th Street, and West 35th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues

. The parade route has changed over time, with the route being moved to Seventh Avenue in 2009 due to new pedestrian plazas along Broadway