The colossal balloons suspended in the air bring out everyone’s inner child during Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It’s impossible not to feel excited when you see these balloons hovering several stories tall. They command attention on the streets and captivate imaginations everywhere. The spirit of celebration comes alive on this day through the efforts of a thoroughly organized and committed team of professionals and volunteers.
Over 3 million people line the streets, while 50 million watch from the comfort of their homes to witness the big and bold parade of talent, hard work, and creativity in Macy’s yearly Thanksgiving Parade.
What Makes them Work?
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is an excellent case of successful marketing. The first event was such a hit that the parade continued annually. Everything started in 1924, when a group of Macy’s employees organized the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which featured various characters, including animals from the Central Park Zoo. But despite the hype that surrounds the parade, it’s not all about business.
A supportive community and a team of professionals and volunteers have been working on the parade for it to reach its legacy of nearly a century. It’s amazing how such a simple concept like a parade can go on for many years and still showcase the best collaborations of art and engineering. For many of these people, the parade is no longer just a parade, but a beloved tradition to celebrate friendships and rekindle family ties.
This means teamwork is crucial in making things happen and to keep them going smoothly. According to Jon Piper, a designer for the event for 35 years, they never stop working on the parade, “This is the 89th, but we’re already working on 90th, doing a little research to 100th.” Everyone looks forward to the parade every year so great care is given to make sure that everyone can have an enjoyable and fun experience.
A Holiday Tradition
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade draws the community closer together through fun and creativity. This has been the core of the very first parade, which has now grown bigger and better over the years. Eventually, it attracted more attention by featuring iconic mascots in larger than life sizes.
The people behind the scenes make everything happen. It’s thanks to them that people can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families. Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is an example of great marketing that far exceeded its original purpose and is now embraced within the American tradition. We can’t wait for the next!
Still in a Thanksgiving mood? Let’s take a look back at one of the biggest events this past month.
Check out and share our infographic about parades and presentations!
References
“2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Macys.com. Accessed November 10, 2015. social.macys.com/parade/#home
Duddridge, Natalie. “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Get Test Run in Citi Field Parking Lot.” TWC News. November 10, 2015. Accessed November 10, 2015. www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2015/11/8/macy-s-thanksgiving-day-parade-balloons-taken-on-test-run-in-citi-field-parking-lot.html
“Felix History.” Felix History. Accessed November 10, 2015. www.felixthecat.com/history.html
Grippo, Robert M., and Christopher Hoskins. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2004.
