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Floats & Falloons
CRUISING DOWN THE GREAT
WHITE WAY
THE FLOATS AND FALLOONS, THE DRIVING FORCES OF THE
MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE ® HIT THE ROAD
Hang on for the ride of a lifetime as a new
fleet of fantastic floats and falloons ride down the Great White Way on
Thanksgiving. Hitting the streets on cruise control into the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade ® are scenes from a fantastic road trip. From ancient Egypt to a Caribbean
Island, these floats will transport the millions of Parade spectators and viewers back in time
or to another place. The magicians at the Macy's Parade Studio have raised the creative
bar this year as they continue to showcase their imagination, artistry and
engineering talent aboard the fleet of 27 floats and falloons (a Macy's
Parade hybrid of cold air balloon and float) that have been revved up to
be huge hits when they hit the road on Parade Day.
These eight new floats have appeared in years past, including Barbie ®’s Princess & The
Pauper, Universal Orlando’s Holiday Beat, Dixie Georgia-Pacific’s Krazy
Kritters , Fisher-Price’s The Magic of Childhood, Sesame Workshop’s 123
Sesame Street, National Football League’s NFL Classic, Discovery Kids’
Tutenstein and Royal Caribbean International’s Voyage to Adventure. In
addition to these new floats, returning favorites include Tom Turkey, The
Statue of Liberty and of course, Santa Claus on his unmistakable sleigh.
The magic behind these
one-of-a kind creations begins at the Macy's Parade Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey. There, a team of artisans under the direction of John
Piper, Vice President of Annual Events/Parade Studio works year-round to create these
fantastic stages. From a sketch to construction, the Studio team, made up of
builders, painters, animators and electricians, painstakingly design each float, to not only
be spectacularly creative but also architecturally sound. Each float is constructed
piece-by-piece, painted and weatherproofed. All the floats are engineered to collapse to no more
that 12-½ feet tall and 8 feet wide in size, which enables them to be transported through
the Lincoln Tunnel. Once they arrive from the Parade Studio to the starting line at
77th and Central Park West, via GMC Truck, (the official truck of the Macy's Parade), these
magical stages will be assembled overnight for their Parade appearances.
Following is a list of Floats and Falloons that have appeared in
the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
AMERICAN CLASSIC MALT SHOP
AMICA INSURANCE
The days of yesteryear, where it was cool to be groovy and hip to be
square have returned this holiday season as the American Classic Malt
Shop, floats its way down Broadway. Making its second appearance in the
Parade, this 25 feet tall, 20 feet wide and 32 feet long float – an
accurate replica of a vintage 1950's malt shop complete with an
old-fashion soda fountain and jukebox; reminds spectators of the days of
sock hops,
poodle skirts and drive-ins. Riding along on the float are Macy's own
bobby-sockers dressed in 1950's prom attire and letterman sweaters who’ll
bop to the beat of Barenaked Ladies performing a number from their new holiday release
Barenaked for the Holidays.
ANGELINA BALLERINA’S MAGIC OF DANCE
HIT ENTERTAINMENT
Pirouetting her way down Broadway is a little star with big dreams of
becoming a prima ballerina. Dressed in her pink tutu, Angelina Ballerina
strikes a pose as she dances her way into America’s hearts. The 30 feet
long, 18 feet wide and 20 feet high float features a stage on which
Angelina, a not so small mouse who stands 18 feet tall, leads her tutu
clad corps of mice dancers in a spirited number. Based on the classic book
series, Angelina Ballerina comes to life on PBS and home video. Angelina boasts a
lot of star power as actress Finty Williams voices Angelina and her mother
Dame Judi Dench is the voice of Miss Lilly, her ballet instructor.
Soloists from the New York City Ballet will perform a selection from
George Ballanchine’s The Nutcracker Suite for Parade spectators.
ANIMAL PLANET
Animal Planet, the only
television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between people
and animals, brings them together on a float celebrating the heroes of
Animal Planet. Riding the float will be Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter
and the heroic Animal Cops’ Annemarie Lucas of New York, Shawn Hairston of
Detroit, Jim Boller of Houston and Sgt. Charlie Daye of Miami, who protect
and rescue animals from abuse and neglect. The 19 foot wide and 22.6 foot
high float features a 30 foot animated crocodile and larger-than-life
giant panda. Saluting the brave mean and women of Animal Planet will be
Bering Strait performing the powerful song, I Could Use a Hero.
BARBIE AS THE PRINCESS &
THE PAUPER
MATTEL’S BARBIE ®
In her fourth movie, Barbie ® takes on her first-ever musical role,
starring as both leading characters in the timeless tale of trading
places. Getting a Barbie ® -spin, look-alike Princess Anneliese™ and
Erika™, trade lives and form an eternal bond of friendship in this musical
adventure. Barbie™ as The Princess and the Pauper will ride down Broadway
on Thanksgiving Day, in a float measuring 36 feet in length and 25 feet in
height. The float is a magical Barbie ® -style fantasyland complete with a
grand marble staircase that runs from the castle balcony to the grand
terrace. Decked out in colors of pink and blue the float perfectly
complements the splendor and style of our heroines’ elaborate dresses. As
a special treat for the millions of spectators on television and in
person, Princess Anneliese™ and Erika™ will sing an original duet from the
movie soundtrack.
BARNEY’S MUSICAL
PLAYGROUND
HIT ENTERTAINMENT
Barney’s mantra on
Thanksgiving Day is that “It’s never to cold to enjoy a day in the park”
as Barney’s Musical Playground float rides down Broadway with kids at
play. Designed to mirror the park location of the hit PBS KIDS public
television show Barney & Friends, the float is a dino-mite way to spend
Thanksgiving. Featuring a gazebo and swing set, the float is full of fun
ways to play in the park and measures 35 feet long, 20 feet wide and 18 feet high. Barney and his friends Baby Bop ® and BJ ®
along with their special guest, Mr. Polar Bear, from the purple dino’s
newest video, “Barney’s Colorful World, LIVE!”, invite everyone to sing
and dance along to Brr…It’s Cold.
BOB THE BUILDER™ with
WENDY and MUCK
HIT ENTERTAINMENT
“Can we build it? Yes we
can!” will be heard down Broadway countless times as kids of all ages spot
Bob the Builder and his trusty “can-do” crew-- Wendy, Scoop, Muck and
their friendly feline, Pilchard. Bringing his famous slogan down Broadway
and building on his penchant for teamwork, Bob and the team make their
Parade appearance after saving the day in their newest video “Snowed
Under: The Bobblesberg Winter Games.” With their team of machines in tow
Bob, Wendy and the crew ride down Manhattan on a float that measures 11
feet high, 14 feet wide and 18 feet long.
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE
AMERADA HESS CORPORATION
Celebrating its 40th anniversary of the Hess toy truck, Amerada Hess
Corporation rolls out the Bridge to the Future Float on Thanksgiving
morning. Back for the fifth year in a row, this 32 feet long, 20 feet wide
and 30 feet tall float incorporates an elevated highway, which spans from
a modernized reproduction of New York City’s famed Brooklyn Bridge to the
Delta Y Tri-Suspension Bridge of Tomorrow. The float will also debut the
new 2004 Hess Toy Truck, a sport utility vehicle with two motorcycles, as
well as feature the Toy Truck Airplane, Toy Truck Shuttle and Hess' first
truck -- a replica of the original Hess fuel and oil truck. Looking ahead
to the future will be Gavin DeGraw who’ll perform a single from his debut
CD entitled Chariot.
CAROUSEL OF IMAGINATION
THE LEGO COMPANY
Creative play runs wild on
the Carousel of Imagination float. Featuring LEGO, the building bricks of fun and creativity, this one-of-a-kind float inspires a child’s
never ending imagination. Designed as a carousel, the 32 feet long, 22
feet wide and 24 feet tall float revolves as it makes its way down
Broadway. Instead of the traditional horses, this carousel features
different creative models made out of LEGO ® elements including a
seahorse, monkey, robot and construction vehicle. Hands down, this
hands-on, minds-on colorful toy takes ideas and makes them into reality. Joining the creative
kids at play on the carousel will be join Ryan Cabrera singing True to the
millions of LEGO builders around the world.
EXPEDITION TO THE TOP OF RHINO MOUNTAIN
*ECKO UNLIMITED
Take a journey to out west
as the Expedition to the Top of Rhino Mountain embarks down Broadway. The
float features the head of a rhinoceros, as it appears to be breaking out
of the side of the mountain. The float will carry a team of skilled rock
climbers, who will ascend and descend the mountainside as the float glides
down the Parade route. Guiding the 24 feet tall, 32 feet long and 22 feet
wide float to Herald Square will be two life-sized inflatable rhinos. Making the expedition to Herald Square even more
exciting will be singing sensations Nina Sky performing a track from their
latest CD.
GREENDOG’S WORLD
Wowzer! greendog ® , the hippest hound in town, makes his way down
Broadway once again. greendog’s world falloon is equipped with all the
creature comforts a playful pup will need, including a ball, water dish,
of course a bone, and house. This style hound who’s own line of kids
clothes at Macy’s are the hit of the playground crowd stands 24 feet, 6
inches high, and sports his signature green circle around his right eye.
Accompanying this fashionable canine down Broadway is singing sensation
Hayley Westenra.
HOLIDAY BEAT
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
With his giant shoes
polished, his drum tuned and wearing his holiday best, the giant drummer
boy that graces the new Holiday Beat falloon (a Macy’s Parade invention, a
combination cold-air balloon and float) is ready to call the troops to
action for the day’s festivities. At 35 feet tall and 14 feet wide with a
drum measuring 10 feet, the drummer boy rides atop a float designed as a
giant snare drum. The surface of the snare drum sparkles with an estimated
3.4 million flecks of glitter which covers the drum’s 12 foot diameter
that also doubles as a dance floor for the lucky few participants who will
ride down Broadway.
KIDS’ CANDY CREATION LAB
HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
Riding down Broadway on
Thanksgiving Day is every candy lovers’ dream, straight from Candytown,
USA the Kids Candy Creation Lab fills the air with the sweet smell of
chocolate. Standing at 24 feet tall, 32 feet long and 16 feet wide, this
tasty laboratory
overflows with chocolate and candy. A giant conveyor belt brings Hershey ®
’s Kisses ® chocolates down the line for inspection while giant lollipops, and other
chocolate treats, fill this fantasyland to the brink with delicious
treats. Joining the sweet treat bandwagon down Broadway will be Jose
Feliciano performing his classic Feliz Navidad.
KRAZY KRITTERS™
DIXIE GEORGIA-PACIFIC
Featuring a 32-foot volcano
that will erupt and shower confetti on spectators, the Krazy Kritters ™
float, with these “party animals” on board means Thanksgiving dinner is on
the way. A sight to see on Parade morning, the crew celebrates the holiday
in island style with Clawed the Bear decked in his finest Hawaiian shirt,
Cheeky the Chimp up to his usual crazy antics making sweet swinging big
band music, while Dunc the Hippo takes a dip in the first swimming pool on
Broadway. Joining the Krazy Kritters crew are the hot tot group, Hi-5, who
will perform Living in a Rainbow.
THE MAGIC OF CHILDHOOD
FISHER-PRICE
Through the eyes of a child,
everyday is a playday… Never will this statement ring more true than when the Magic of Childhood Float glides down Broadway during
its debut in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sponsored by Fisher-Price,
this magical Float combines whimsy and wonderment as a 24 feet tall
fantastical Ferris wheel and colorful carousel spin and twirl down the
Parade route. Kids of all ages will be reminded of the fun and merriment
they enjoyed thanks to Fisher-Price, as they see the giant and colorful
rings on the Rock-A-Stack ® ; the bouncing balls of the Corn Popper ® and
the giant toy drum step-off at 9AM on Thanksgiving morning.
THE “MARION-CAROL” SHOWBOAT
Full steam ahead as the
largest vessel to ever float down the line of march prepares to make its
third voyage in the longest running show down Broadway. The Marion-Carol
Showboat, will set the stage for America’s brightest and best talent.
Standing 33 feet tall (equivalent to four stories high), 16 feet wide and 42 feet long, the
boat is complete with an authentic looking paddlewheel and twin
smokestacks. The float will glide down Broadway with precious cargo, as
world-renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli performs When A Child is Born, with a
simultaneous sign language accompaniment by World of Children. The
Showboat will be sailing down Broadway in all of its majestic glory!
123 SESAME
STREET
SESAME WORKSHOP
As an anchor on the world’s most famous street, the 123 stoop serves as
home to a few of Sesame Street’s residents, a place to catch up with
friends, and most importantly learn valuable lessons. The new Sesame
Workshop Float explodes with vibrant color and composition and brings a
few well-known friends including Big Bird, Oscar the
Grouch, Bob, Gina, Alan, Miles and Gabby down the line of march.
Surrounding the 32 feet long, 20 feet wide and 2 stories tall Float is a
fanciful fence made of children’s silhouettes and a montage numbers and
letters depicting the friendly faces and fun-filled segments seen daily on
the show.
MIKE MILLER AND
ASSOCIATES’ PEP RALLY
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, YES WE DO! WE’VE GOT SPIRIT,
HOW ABOUT YOU!
Three cheers for the
newly designed Pep Rally Float, which will make its debut this
Thanksgiving. Bold , bright and colorful this float put the pep in the
step off. Riding aboard this charming unit are 20 spirited, cheerleading
kids showing they really do know how to get the party started.
SANTA’S SLEIGH
Straight from the
North Pole, Santa’s Sleigh makes its way to St. Nick’s holiday home at
Macy's Herald Square. The most eagerly awaited individual in the Parade
and the season, the one-and-only Santa Claus arrives just in time for the
festivities, in a sleigh that is in every way, magnificent. His 50 feet
long carriage is a replica of a winter snow goose, lined with plush green
velvet upholstery and trimmed with Swiss silver sleigh bells. With him,
Santa brings Mrs. Claus, of course, candy cane kids, Christmas trees,
elves and holiday
treats. The most famous reindeer in the world: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,
Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, lead the way and each stand 12.5
feet tall with an 8 feet antler spread. A 26 feet tall wreath rises from behind the sleigh, adding to the
holiday scene. Finally, the jolly old man in the red suit comes into view,
officially ushering in the Christmas season to millions of spectators and
viewers around the world.
SPIRIT OF AMERICA
THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
The symbol of America’s freedom is the eagle centerpiece of this 30 feet
tall, 32 feet long and 20 feet wide float. Not only the symbol of our
nation, the Eagle is also the icon of the Postal Service. Gearing up for the holiday mail rush, the float features a
giant spectacular bronze monument of the eagle as well as 80 poster size
decorative stamps from all 50 states and other select historical stamps.
Since 1775, the US Postal Service has connected friends, families,
neighbors and businesses - delivering mail to virtually every address in
America and beyond. Bringing holiday cheer along with the mail down
Broadway will be American Idol’s Fantasia and stars of the 2004 Summer
Olympics including track gold medallists Justin Gatlin and Shawn Crawford,
volleyball gold medallist Misty May, and gymnastics gold medallist Carly
Patterson.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
Lady Liberty returns to the
Parade in all her patriotic glory. America’s symbol of freedom,
the Statue of Liberty, is immortalized on this self-motorized 21 feet
high, 19 feet long and 15 feet wide unit that features a replica of the head, shoulders and
tablet of the beloved “Lady in the Harbor.” Illuminated by a ring of
stars, the float is preceded by 50 Old Glories and 50 state flags. Aboard
for the ride down Broadway will be Deborah Voigt, performing Free to Dream
with the USSBA All-Star Color Guard.
TEDDY BEAR’S WORKSHOP
BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP ®
This beary special float
features everyone’s favorite childhood friend, the loveable Teddy Bear. On
board for the trip down Broadway is Bearemy ® the Build-A-Bear Workshop
cuddly mascot and Pawlette Coufur ® , fashion advisor to the furry famous,
who will have a blast on the 30 foot long, 18 foot wide and 20 foot tall
float. Cele-bear-ating with the furry gang is hot teen recording star,
Raven-Symoné who will perform the beary
special tune entitled, Backflip.
NFL CLASSIC
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
No other holiday and sporting event is linked more closely than
Thanksgiving and football, which is why it only makes sense to bring the
two together in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This new NFL sponsored
Float is chock full of everything football, from turf, to stands, to an
actual goal post, the float will get everyone excited about tossing around
the pigskin. In the center of the Turkey Bowl, also known as the field of
champions, famous football alumni and some of the leagues most FAN-tastic
mascots will go head-to-head competing for the loudest cheers as they pass
by enthusiastic fans along the Parade route.
TUTENSTEIN
DISCOVERY KIDS
When the 10 year-old Pharaoh
Tut-ankh-en-set-Amun (meaning “The Living Image of the Place of Amun, and
nicknamed Tutenstein) woke up from the dead in the present day, he
received quite a shock when he saw his surroundings- millions of people,
tall buildings and giant balloons. However, Macy’s makes Tut feel right at
home as he rides down Broadway on his 33 feet long float complete with
Egyptian monuments, carvings, gold inlaid sarcophagus and hieroglyphics. A
giant obelisk towers 33 feet above the seated statues of former rulers of
Egypt on this ride back in time. Along the streets of New York City, the
boy king lifts the staff of Ra and proclaims he is back and ready to rule.
A 2004 Emmy Award ® winner for Outstanding Special Class Animated Series,
Discovery Kids’
Tutenstein engages kids’ minds while tickling their funny bones with
adventures derived from real Egyptology.
VOYAGE TO ADVENTURE
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
What better place for a giant
board game featuring Mayan ruins, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Alaskan
glaciers, and Caribbean climates to come to life than New York City – the
crossroads of the world? Included with this board game, players will find
larger than life dice, ship-shaped playing pieces and a massive
directional spinner, sending them every which way. Transporting spectators
to exotic locales all along Broadway, The Voyage to Adventure Game
measures 33 feet long and 21 feet wide – allowing for a fantastic
trans-continental holiday get-away. In addition, nine Royal Caribbean
International singers and dancers will appear on the float, performing an
original composition for the parade, also titled “Voyage to Adventure.”
They will be dressed as tourists enjoying the exciting destinations
depicted.
CAST OF TOY
FLOATS
The parade of floats and falloons down Broadway is enhanced by the
addition of smaller-scaled floats that depict favorite toys and classic
storybook characters. These golf cart powered mini-floats magically bring
toys and special subjects to life. Making appearances in this year’s
Parade are the slow but steady, Rocking Tortoise, the oversized but very
dapper, Mr. Snail and every cowboy’s trusty steed, Rocking Horse.
SPECIAL UNITS CAST
NYPD MOTORCYCLE UNIT
Gentlemen start your engines!
New York City Police Officers will officially escort the Parade down
the entire parade route.
MOUNTED PARKS ENFORCEMENT PATROL and
NYPD MOUNTED UNIT
Sixteen New York City Park
Rangers and Police Officers make up an old fashioned cavalry as they ride
down Broadway on horseback saluting Parade-goers along the way.
PLANTERS ® NUT MOBILE
Since its creation in 1999
the Planters Nut Mobile has traveled more than 125,000 miles across the
country, no doubt its V6 engine is fueled by peanut oil. The
ever-fashionable Mr. Peanut wears a monocle, which measures 1.5 inches in
diameter and a 32-inch high top hat, which is big enough to fit 240 pounds
of peanuts!
POKEMOBILE
It won’t be too hard to spot
the bright yellow Pokemobile as it zooms down the Parade route leading the
Pokemon Balloon.
MCDONALD’S ® BIG RED SHOE CAR
Ronald McDonald®, along with
friends Grimace®, Hamburglar® and Birdie the Early Bird®, put the pedal to
the metal in Ronald's Big Red Shoe Car. Designed to look just like one of
Ronald's Big Red shoes, the car is 20 feet long and transports Ronald® and
friends in style!
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
The famous flying car swoops
down on Broadway before making its debut on the Great White Way in the
2005 musical production by the same name.
NYC TROLLEY TOUR
Sponsored by the History
Channel, the NYC Trolley Tour car will give riders an up-close and
personal view of America’s favorite historic Parade.
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