Brendan Kennedy, the director of creative production at Macy’s, is gearing up for a festive display at this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, overcoming the challenges posed by last year’s rain-soaked event. With over a year of preparation behind them, Kennedy is determined to highlight the impressive floats and balloons that will captivate audiences this season.
Among the notable attractions will be the debut of several iconic balloons, including characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek, and Pac-Man, alongside the hyped KPop Demon Hunters and Labubu. However, Kennedy’s excitement peaks with the unveiling of the much-anticipated “Stranger Things” float, coinciding perfectly with the premiere of the fifth and final season on Netflix just one day prior.
“The Duffer brothers have been on it the whole time,” Kennedy exclaimed. “This is such a cool departure from saying, ‘Hey, 3D print me something from a film.’ What we’re doing here is creating a world. This is fully experiential.” The float will embody the essence of Hawkins National Laboratory, featuring a captivating eight-and-a-half-foot tall Demogorgon puppet housed in a containment device. The design is rich with practical effects like lighting and smoke that bring the laboratory to life, along with hidden Easter eggs for fans to discover.
Additionally, the parade will kick off with a spectacular performance from Cynthia Erivo, star of “Wicked: For Good,” alongside musical numbers from renowned performers including the voices of KPop Demon Hunters group Huntr/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. Broadway will also be represented with numbers from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime,” culminating in a special appearance by the iconic Radio City Rockettes as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Planning for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a colossal task, taking nearly a year and involving thousands of dedicated individuals. The event uses significant resources, such as over 2,000 gallons of paint, 300 pounds of glitter, and 200 pounds of confetti.
With meticulous attention to detail, Kennedy and his team are conscious of the weather, taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of performers. They previously implemented HVAC systems to keep dancers warm and dry, reflecting their commitment to delivering a memorable parade regardless of conditions.
In total, this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 34 balloons, 28 floats, and approximately 8,000 participants, including around 5,000 volunteers. The event will be broadcast live on November 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and will also be available for streaming on Peacock.
As anticipation builds for this beloved holiday tradition, fans can look forward to a fantastic visual treat that celebrates creativity and community spirit, promising to bring joy and excitement to viewers across the nation.