The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradeparade has become somewhat of a staple for families across the country. All of the amazing balloons, floats, and performances bring in millions of viewers each year to celebrate Thanksgiving. There are a lot of interesting facts about the parade:

• Macy’s employees staged the first parade in 1924 – it was so successful that they decided to make it an annual event.

• The first character balloon to make an appearance at the parade was Felix the Cat in 1927.

• In 1934 Macy’s worked with Disney for the first time to create the original Mickey Mouse balloon.

• The only interruption in the parade’s history was from 1942-44. Macy’s gave their parade balloons to the war effort since rubber was so scarce.

• The parade was first televised in New York in 1945.

• There was a helium shortage in 1958 that forced the balloons to be filled with air and hung from cranes instead floating.

• Floats must travel through the Lincoln Tunnel to get to Manhattan for the parade. A float has to fold up to an 8 foot wide and 12 1/2 foot high float in order to get through.

• Nine parade telecasts since 1979 have won an Emmy.

• Santa Claus has ended the parade every year, except in 1933 when he led the parade.