Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be TV only this year
Chalk up another American tradition that has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 94th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be a TV-only affair this year, Macy’s announced.
The parade is scheduled to be broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 26, on NBC. It will continue to mix giant character balloons, floats, street performers, clowns and the heralding of the holiday season with Santa Claus.
This will be the first time in the parade’s history that spectators will not be allowed along the parade’s traditional 2.5-mile route. The change is an effort to “avoid gathering millions of spectators in person,” the retailer said.
The #MacysParade will go on! We won't be marching, but we're reimagining it into a televised-only spectacle where all your fave balloons, floats & Santa Claus *safely* make their way to you. Tune in to @NBC 9AM Thanksgiving Day & check here for updates: https://t.co/1Bo9XZMmsM pic.twitter.com/n1XgeNdRKu
— Macy's (@Macys) September 14, 2020
“It will not be the same parade we’re used to. It will be a different kind of event,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a Monday news conference.
The #MacysParade is a New York City staple.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) September 14, 2020
For decades we’ve celebrated the holiday season with viewers worldwide, and this year will be no different!
Working closely with @Macys, we’ve planned a safe and creative event worthy of this holiday tradition. pic.twitter.com/ap0Rm3cC4I
The number of participants in this year’s event will be reduced by about 75%, Macy’s said Monday. Participants will practice social distancing during performances and wear face coverings, as well as supplementary Personal Protective Equipment based on their role.
All participants will be 18 years or older. Performances by regional high school and college marching bands will be pushed to the 2021 parade, and local professional marching and musical groups will fill the gap for 2020.
About the Author
Tim Darnell is an Atlanta native and veteran of several local, national, and international news, business and sports publications.
