New York – The 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade went on this year with drastic changes because of the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The route was reduced to the block on 34th Street; Herald Square- flagship Macy’s department store. Viewership was broadcasted on NBC to over 20.7 million versus the large crowds usually numbering around three million drawn on a parade route of 2.5 miles. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their appearance at the end of the parade to add a brighten light of hope for the upcoming Holiday.
NBC’s hosts were Al Roker, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. Radio City Rockettes performed in front of Macy’s wearing their masks. Cut back for the parade participants was 88% and replaced by pre-taped performances. Vehicle type carts were handling the large portion of pulling the balloons in the route this year with 18 making the appearance; The Boss Baby and Red Titan from Ryan’s World for the first time plus Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular, McDonald’s Big Red Show Car. Other in-person performance and video-taped Dolly Parton, Ally Brooke, Bebe Rexha, Pentatonix, Brett Young, Band of the City of New York Police Department, Big Apple Circus and more.
Nancy Ann Peterson/photo-journalist