Priscilla, Macy’s Pink Pig, had been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for more than 50 years. Yes, “had been” is correct.
Macy’s announced Thursday that 2019 was the attraction’s last. After taking 2020 off because of the coronavirus pandemic, Priscilla is retiring. Macy’s sent the following email on behalf of the Pink Pig.
Dear Atlantans,
For more than 50 years, I've had a memorable ride with many generations of Atlantans who know my arrival at Macy's Lenox Square marks the beginning of the holiday season. From my debut in the ‘50s at Rich's downtown store to my brief stint at the Egleston Children's Hospital Festival of Trees to the winding track beneath the 170-foot Pink Pig Tent at the Lenox Square, I treasure the friends I've met from near and far and am proud of the iconic holiday tradition I've become.
It's with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement and share the news that Macy's Pink Pig will not return to Lenox Square during the holiday seasons to come.
In my absence, I hope Atlantans continue to believe in the magic of the holiday season and enjoy Macy's remaining iconic tradition, Macy's Atlanta Great Tree, which will still shine brightly atop Lenox Square.
Macy's is honoring me and continuing its longstanding connection with our friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by donating $20,000 to Children's as my farewell gift. To date, Macy's has donated nearly $1 million to Children's.
Thank you for joining me along my colorful, storybook adventure and making me part of your holiday traditions.
All my love,
Priscilla, Macy's Pink Pig
The ride began in 1953 as a monorail along the ceiling of Rich’s department store. Years later, the monorails (another one had been added) were relocated to the downtown store’s roof. The ride later did a brief stint at Egleston Hospital.
In 2003, Priscilla, with her rosy cheeks and to-die-for eyelashes, found a new home at Lenox Square, on the upper-level parking deck near Macy’s. The train ride carried kids and their parents through a life-size storybook that included the original Pink Pig and other holiday friends.
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