The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a much loved American tradition. The biggest parade in the world fills the New York City sky with colorful balloons, warming the city with holiday spirit. Millions of spectators line the icy streets to catch a glimpse of the spectacle while millions more watch from the warmth of their homes. However, few Americans know about the parade’s history. It may come as a surprise, but Macy’s was not the first department store to hold a large parade. In fact,  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade launched in 1924, a year after Gimbels introduced its own parade. Despite this, the Macy’s tradition has grown, capturing America’s heart’s.

Balloon Origin

The most iconic spectacles are the towering balloons gliding through the streets. This concept was originally introduced in 1927 with Felix the Cat. Although an enormous balloon, he was filled with air rather than helium. As a result, he was held up by stilts instead of floating along the streets. Despite this, he was a huge hit. Additionally, the classic Mickey Mouse balloon debuted 1934 and has been an icon ever since.

The Race

In the past, at the closing of the parade, the large balloons would be released into the air. Those who found the balloons could return them for a prize of $50 dollars. A pilot in 1931 caught a balloon on the wing of his plane. Others tried to imitate the feat but were not successful. As a result, the tradition was shut down after a pilot attempted to capture a balloon but nearly crashed.

Trouble is in the Air

The parade has had its fair share of troubles. A rubber and helium shortage arose during World War 2. As a result, the parade was halted between the years of 1942 to 1944. Balloons were deflated and donated to the government to support the war effort. When resumed in 1945, the parade’s route was shifted and cut in half. Furthermore, various other helium shortages have threatened the parade’s survival from time to time.

Today’s Parade

It was not until around the 1950’s that the parade was televised. This marked the explosion of its popularity. Millions of Americans could now turn on their TV and be filled with the holiday spirit. As the following grew, stars, bands, singers, cheerleaders, Olympians, and floats began to appear in the parade, taking the country by storm. Today, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the beginning of the Christmas Season for many Americans and has a treasured place in the country’s heart.