Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Throughout the Years

Sophia Bui and Adalyn Mulcahy, Grade 9, Staff Writers

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place every year in Manhattan. Common Sense takes a look at this event through the eyes of our student body.

    Starting on 77th Street and Central Park West, and ending on West 34th Street and Seventh Avenue, the parade covers a 2.5 mile route, with around 3.5 million people attending the parade in person each year. 

     This event is popular due to its long history that has made it an essential part of many people’s holiday experiences. It is also entertaining. People love to watch the floats and see what new ones are included year after year. 

    Additionally, the parade officially marks the beginning of the holiday season for many families around the country and gives people a reason to celebrate. It brings much joy and is the highlight of Thanksgiving for many. It is clear that the Macy’s parade is a big Thanksgiving tradition. Common Sense asked students from all grades whether they watch the Macy’s parade floats annually, and all students interviewed said yes. 

    Moreover, Xara Putney (‘29) says, “I try to watch it annually, as I’d have it playing in the background while cooking.” While Xara may not be watching in person, she’s still a prime example of someone who watches it annually. 

    Additionally, some people enjoy watching the parade especially for the fun floats and marching bands. Miriam Krasinski (‘27) said, “I gotta be honest, I think my personal favorite was the Stranger Things [float].” As stated, the Macy’s parade floats happen every year, and with time people’s thoughts and opinions change. 

     Common Sense asked students, “how have your impressions of the parade changed over the years?” answers to the question were consistently the same, as most students said they lost interest and the  excitement they felt from watching the parade as they grew up.

    Evalina Lock (‘26) says she believes the Macy’s parade floats are a great tradition, but “as [she] gets older [she] kind of lost interest little by little, as it became less entertaining.” 

    This may show how even though the parade is a fun tradition, it is geared towards younger audiences. However, according to Naomi Redlener (‘27), “The Macy’s parade floats have become more elaborate, as more ideas and events are added.” So even though the parade is overall viewed by HSAS students as increasingly boring, it has developed to become more elaborate. 

    When asking students what theme they would choose if they could design their own float, they gave a variety of different responses. For example, Tessa Leaf (‘29) stated, “I would either do my face, a giant turkey, or just a car dressed completely like a turkey.” 

    Additionally, Miriam Krasinski said, “[they’ve] obviously got to make an HSAS Macy’s parade float,” showing their HSAS student spirit.