Flottilla Fun

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins its 82^nd annual march through Manhattan on November 27^th, upholding a traditionthat began in1924. Back then, many of Macy's department store employees were European immigrants who wanted to celebrate the holiday with a festival similar to those in their native homelands. The first procession featured horse-drawn floats and Macy's staff dressed as clowns and cowboys. A year later, parade organizers added lions, tigers and bears (insert obvious 'Wizard of Oz' reference) They were quickly discountinued the practice due to children's frightened responses.

The parade's giant helium balloons are a main attraction. Felix the Cat was among the first, followed by inflatable depictions of Dino the Dinosaur, Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog. Up until 1933 at the parade's conclusion, the balloons- labeled with return addresses- were released, and prizes were offered for their return.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be a delight for young and old alike. Though the route is only 2^1/₂ miles long, it appears to have no end in sight