GOOD GRIEF!
• COVID wipes away another city tradition • Thanksgiving Day Parade is scaled back • Balloons will be tied up in Herald Square
Snoopy, the Nutcracker and the rest of the gang will fly high for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but they won’t traverse Manhattan’s streets, large crowds will be banned and even balloon-handling staff will be minimized, the department store said Monday.
As big outdoor events remain verboten in the city, Macy’s said those who want to catch the giant inflatable characters will have to do so on TV or online. The event will be in the Herald Square area instead of the usual 2.5mile parade route, and televised on NBC on Thanksgiving Day starting at 9 a.m.
“Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families,” Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a statement.
“While it will certainly look different in execution, this year’s Macy’s parade celebration will once again serve its historical purpose – to bring joy into the hearts of millions across the nation,” she added.
Giant balloons will be flown without the usual crew of 80 to 100 handlers. Instead, “an innovative, specially rigged anchor vehicle framework of five specialty vehicles tested and approved by the [Transportation Department] and [the] NYPD” will be used.
The traditional Wednesday balloon-inflating event, popular among kids in particular, was canceled.
In what’s sure to be a disappointment for high school and college marching bands, they won’t be allowed to perform. Instead, they’ll be put on the list to play next year.
The number of those who are allowed to participate will be reduced 75%, with social distancing and face masks required.
“It will not be the same parade we are used to,” Mayor de Blasio said at a press conference. “It will be a different kind of event. They’re reinventing the event for this moment in history.”
He said the Thanksgiving celebration would be similar to this year’s version of the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show, which was greatly scaled back. Instead
of the usual massive display, Macy’s held “popup” shows throughout the five boroughs, culminating with a big show at the Empire State Building.
“You will be able to feel the spirit and the joy off that h day on television, online — not a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving Day,” de Blasio said.
First held in 1924, the parade became a national tradition, drawing TV audiences of about 50 million these days.
The parade used to start at Herald Square, where the flagship Macy’s store is located, and wrap up in Harlem. Recent years saw the route start at Central Park West and end in Herald Square.
“Macy’s believes in celebration and the joy of marking milestone moments with family and friends,” Tercero said. “The Macy’s parade is our love letter and gift to the City of New York and the nation.”