We were wondering whether there were any stories out there today about the balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which turns 85 this year. Something sciency.
The answer to that is "nope," but I found something even better: The official Web site of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Specifically, the Parade History.
Not only is the site really informative, but it also has the added bonus of feeling a little like playing a video game. Set up as a timeline/interactive history of the parade, it features photo and video windows, plus fun facts that float by at a speed you determine with your mouse. And the parade marching band drumming away in the background heightens the tension. Fun.
Unintentional video game aside, the history is great! Here are some highlights:
- The parade started in 1924 as a Christmas parade, including animals from the Central Park Zoo.
- The gigantic helium balloons were first added in 1927.
- World War II prompted the parade to stop from 1942-44.
- Floats were introduced in 1969.
The site has much more information in the timeline videos. Even as someone who hasn't watched the parade in decades (but will on Thanksgiving Day), I highly recommend it.
Photos: 1) Elephants from the Central Park Zoo join the parade in 1954. Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank via AP Images
2) A huge baseball player towers over the 7th Ave. crowds in 1946. Photo by: AP Photo/John Rooney
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