Thanksgiving Leftovers: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Poster

Each year there's an artful poster prepared to publicize the "Macy's Day Parade" (as some call it, no doubt to Macy's delight). Here is this year's poster promoting Macy's main event. As compared to the last ten years or so, this year's edition takes the emphasis off the licensed character balloons. As I've pointed out before, when so many properties are displayed, there must be a great many approvals...and maybe Macy's just grew weary of it. The giant balloon versions of the characters were in the parade though, and that's all that counts. Disney was certainly well represented, what with all the properties they now own: besides Mickey Mouse, there was Buzz Lightyear (Pixar), Spider-Man (Marvel) and Kermit the Frog (The Muppets), all owned by Disney. And Tim Burton had a ballon this year, and Tim of course came from/still occasionally makes films for Disney. Anyhow, this year's parade poster has quite a story behind it. It was painted by illustrator Melissa Sweet in the style of 1920s Macy's artist Tony Sarg. Melissa also wrote and illustrated a book Balloons Over Broadway, in the same style...for the book tells the story of Tony Sarg, “the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade.” You can read more about Melissa, her work and the book at the Macy's website and at MelissaSweet.net.

Kermit The Frog Flies Again

Since it's Muppets Month all November long here at Tulgey Wood, it seemed like a good time to point out that the lovable leader of the Muppets will be once again seen as a giant balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kermit first flew in America's favorite Thanksgiving spectacular in 1977. If you want to know more about the Macy's parade as it celebrates its 85th performance this year be sure and check out this great story on the D23 website written by Sarah Smith. And on Thanksgiving evening, there's a special all about the parade on NBC. It's a veritable feast of facts about Macy's annual Turkey Day parade, this year featuring once again everyone's favorite frog.

The Parade Passes By, 1965

Thanks to Jack and Jill magazine, here's a glimpse of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1965. Since this issue of the magazine was published for November 1966, we can assume that the photographs are from the previous year's parade. One interesting thing is who's hosting the parade for its colorcast on NBC: Lorne Green (star of the enormously popular in-living-color NBC hit Bonanza) and TV favorite (and recently appointed Disney Legend) Betty White. Also check out the wonderful Donald Duck balloon which had been introduced I believe in 1962. Whether you are about to watch the parade or have already experienced the 2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, enjoy these pages out of Thanksgiving parade history. (Click on any of the pages for a larger view.)

Parade Poster 2009

Here's the annual poster for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and as always it's as spectacular as the parade itself. (Click the poster for a larger view.) You'll notice Mickey Mouse is a prominent part of the poster for the new 60-foot "Sailor Mickey" makes its debut at the parade tomorrow. Before or after the parade, be sure and stop by here at Tulgey Wood tomorrow, November 26, for a Thanksgiving Day treat that I think will enhance your enjoyment of this great American tradition.

Donald Duck: Thanksgiving Bird

Here's another Thanksgiving cover from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories, # 63 (December 1945). Drawn by comics great Walt Kelly this fun art reminds us that good ol' Donald has been as much of the Thanksgiving scene as tom turkey. After all Donald has flown many times in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, starting I believe in 1936 when he was soaring to ever greater heights of popularity. As you enjoy turkey (or tofurkey) on Thursday, remember to give thanks for balloon and comic-book star Donald Duck—and stop by on Thanksgiving Day for another rarely-seen photo of the Donald Macy's balloon from the 1960s.