Notable and Notorious: Macy’s Day Parade Balloons
By Diana Cook
The annual Macy’s Day parade falls on our national holiday of Thanksgiving and is a celebration of the Amercian traditions of commerce and consumerism. While many, many balloons have made their way down the hallowed route the following stand out as “notable floatables”.
First in Flight
The year was 1927 and Felix the Cat had the distinction of being the first balloon used in what was then called the Christmas Parade.
We’re Taking on Water
“I am what I am” – The 1957 Popeye the Sailor balloon was involved in one of the first in a long history of assaults on spectators and NYC real estate. After Popeye’s cap filled with rain water during a heavy down pour, Popeye veered off-course and doused the crowd.
International Travel
The 1979 Kermit balloon was the first inflatable from the parade to travel outside of the USA, crossing the pond to help England celebrate the International Year of the Child.
No Longer Barefoot
The year was 1982, women had received the right to vote a mere sixty-two years earlier and Olive Oyl ducks out of the kitchen to become the first female character to officially float for Macy’s.
Danger Kitty
In the arena of destructive floats, the Cat in the Hat has the notorious distinction of bending lampposts and putting one unfortunate parade fan in a month long coma, all with out the help of Thing One or Thing Two.
Civil Rights: Giant Steps Forward
In 2002 little Bill became the first African-American character in parade history,
and three years later, Dora the Explorer debuted as the first character of Latino descent.
Most Costume Changes
Since his debut in 19 six incantations of Snoopy have appeared at the parade.
Mega-Man
