The 84thMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 25th, in New York City. More than 50 million viewers are likely to watch the annual extravaganza, which will be broadcast on NBC Television. Another 3.5 million are expected to watch the festive processing from sidewalks and balconies in the Big Apple.
From Central Park to Herald Square, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features celebrities, clowns, dancers, floats, marching bands and larger-than-life cartoon balloons.
What highlights can viewers expect from the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
When the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924, the procession included employees from the New York-based department store. But the event exploded in popularity, growing to include big-name entertainers and major attractions.
This year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be hosted by NBC Today Show personalities Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Meredith Viera. The procession will likely last four hours.
The 2010 lineup for the 84th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade includes
The famous giant helium balloons will feature Buzz Lightyear, Christmas Icons, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Hello Kitty, Horton the Elephant, Kermit the Frog, Kool-Aid Man, Kung Fu Panda, Pikachu, Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald, Sailor Mickey Mouse, Shrek, Smurf, Snoopy as the Flying Ace, Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants, Yes Virginia and more.
Top-name entertainers will perform during the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Scheduled acts include Ann Hampton Callaway, Arlo Guthrie, Big Time Rush, Crystal Shawanda, Gladys Knight, Gloriana, India Arie, Jessica Simpson, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Kylie Monogue, Macy Gray, Mannheim Steamroller, Michael Grimm, Michael Grimm, Radio City Rockettes, Victoria Justice and more.
Rumor has it that Jessica Simpson may have canceled her scheduled appearance in the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as the popular singer and actress is suffering from a cold.)
At least eight dance troupes, 10 specialty groups, 12 marching bands, 27 colorful floats, 43 novelty balloons, 800 clowns and 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers are expected in the 84th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25th as well. Some 800 Macy’s employees assist with the event.
Of course, the big star of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is Santa Claus, as the event is heralded as the unofficial start of the Christmas holiday season.
Corporate sponsors of the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade include Macy’s Department stores, the Affinia Manhattan Hotel, Delta Airlines, GMC, Remo, Timberland and Toro.
