Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation

Inflating Bloggers’ Hearts Since 2009
By Jenn Kim

So we all know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, right? The fun, family-friendly, festive Thanksgiving event in NYC that stars sweet, giant balloons of familiar faces. (I love giant-sized things! TWSS.) Anywho, the day prior to Thanksgiving is the Big Macy’s Balloon Inflation event, where New Yorkers + visitors get to watch the ginormous balloons come to life.

This year, for the first time in balloon history, Macy’s (in coordination with NBC), invited a group of awesome bloggers for a private tour of the inflation site. Of course Pink Raygun was invited for all of its fabulous glory, but since our lovely editor was not available, I (and the older sis!) got to go in her place.

Starting off at 77th and Columbus, we were greeted by delightful NBC and Macy’s representatives who personally introduced us to the mammoth-sized likes of: Sponge Bob Square Pants, the Energizer Bunny, Kermit the Frog, Snoopy, Spiderman, Buzz LightYear, Dora the Explorer (Hola!), Smurf, and making its famous debut this year, the Pillsbury Doughboy (*Poke, poke). The Macy’s reps were also quite informative about the history of the Parade: originating in 1924, many of the Macy’s employees had been first-generation immigrants who wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to the community in festive parade form. Since then, every single person involved with the parade has been, and continues to be, a Macy’s employee (or “friends and family”). About 8,000 of them volunteer their Thanksgiving every year to help out, while another 3 million brave the Upper West Side to attend.

I was also impressed with how Macy’s treated us (as if they knew bloggers rule the world!): taking the time to graciously answer questions, introducing us to involved and connected employees, and most importantly, making me feel special. I like feeling special. One of the best things about the tour was being on the inside of the police barricades whilst all of the throngs of people, many of whom were children, were forced to stand behind them. It kept me warm during the cold drizzle and rain.

“What’s your favorite part about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?” I had asked Macy’s PR Vice President Holly Thomas. “Hm. I would actually say THIS, the day before, at the Balloon Inflation. It’s like Christmas Eve; the anticipation is the best part!”

So this private tour really makes me want to go to the actual Thanksgiving Day Parade. If, you know, I actually liked being around people.

Gobble, gobble!

About Jenn Kim: When she’s not questioning her decision to enter lawyer-hood-dom, Jenn enjoys stalking celebrities and getting over her totally rational fear of zombies. She also idolizes Joss Whedon, and is crossing her fingers that Nathan Fillion and NPH will accept her friend requests.

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