We love a parade, even if it’s significantly smaller in scope than we’re used to seeing.
The 94th-annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will march forward on Thursday, but will observe social-distancing mandates.
Traditionally held in front of 3 million people along Manhattan streets, this parade will have a much smaller feel. Officials are discouraging live attendance, and the number of parade participants has been cut 75%. The event can be comfortably consumed from your couch but, hey, at least it’s still happening.
“Traditions like this are comforting and they’re uplifting,” said Susan Tercero, the parade’s executive producer. “New York has always been a tough city. It bounces back. It takes its blows and then it continues on. And I think it’s extremely important for us to be that display this holiday season.”
Key points to ponder:
• Balloons are still a big part, with Astronaut Snoopy, SpongeBob & Gary, Pikachu and more.
• The Broadway performances include the casts of “Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations,” “Hamilton,” “Jagged Little Pill” and “Mean Girls.”
• The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes will again be performing.
• The usual 2 1/2-mile route becomes a one-block stretch of 34th Street in front of, you guessed it, Macy’s.
• Many performances were pre-taped.
The parade, broadcast on NBC, begins at 9 a.m. in all time zones. The three-hour show will repeat from 2-5 p.m. local time. It will also air on NBC.com and is set to stream on Verizon’s YouTube channel.
The Today Show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the event with Adamari Lopez, Jessica Carrillo, Rodner Figueroa and Nastassja Bolivar hosting the Telemundo simulcast presentation. The online coverage will be hosted by Mario Lopez.
And, in a nod to optimism and tradition, Santa will close out the festivities.
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