Why the Pre-Parade Float Show is Pre-Requisite for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Last night I got an up-close view of the sleeping giants that will soar above New York City's streets today in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Curled up on south side of the Museum of Natural History on 77th Street was a dinosaur-sized Energizer Bunny, Ronald McDonald and Pikachu tucked in for the night under the security of their nets. Sleeping just north of the Museum on 81st street was Sponge Bob Square Pants, Kermit the Frog, Uncle Sam and my favorite, Horten (of Horten Hears a Who fame).

Before I go further, I need to admit that I've never been a parade person. Even though I live less than 2 miles from the Macy's parade route, I've never gone and honestly I don't enjoy watching it on TV either. I sought out the pre-parade viewing of the floats last night purely because it was a Never B4. Yet, it's completely changed my opinion of the parade.

I used to see the floats and the parade only as blatant commercialism, advertising for Broadway shows, movies and of course a big department store. Yet now, after experiencing the pre-parade exhibit of the floats, I also see giant works of art, beauty and I appreciate the power that is held back by the nets and tethers used by the float handlers.

The nets that blanketed the floats last night enabled me to see the detail in each of the designs: the many helium chambers and separate valves that were used to bring each float to life; the vibrant colors and the strategic crimping of the plastic that brings recognizable character to their faces. Most memorable of all though, was seeing the floats test the strength of the nets and sand bags that held them down.

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They were meant to fly and after watching them restlessly toss and turn last night, I want to see them set free. I want to see them soar - in person. That Never B4 will have to wait until next year though because today I'm heading out of town for Thanksgiving with my family. However, my pre-parade Never B4 adventure last night may just motivate me to watch the parade on TV.

For all the other parade-skippers out there, I highly recommend the pre-parade float exhibit on the West Side to ignite your parade-watching mood for next year.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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