The outside of the aging former Tootsie Roll factory in Hoboken looks rather ordinary. But sometimes looks can be deceiving.
Inside the belly of the cavernous warehouse on Willow Avenue are the magical staples for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – the massive floats and balloons. They are born out of the hard work and dedication of skilled artisans, aeronautic experts, electricians, and balloon handlers who prepare all year.
For only one day in mid-November, the studio abandons the shroud of secrecy that surrounds it. It invites the press and hundreds of children from the tri-state area to visit and explore.
Tuesday, Macy’s officials gave the Reporter a tour of the studio, and provided insight into what’s new for this year’s parade.
According to Macy’s officials, each float is constructed piece by piece, painted, and waterproofed. All the floats are engineered to collapse to no more than 12.5 high and 8 feet wide so that they can be transported through the Lincoln Tunnel to the parade.
When Thanksgiving comes Thursday, spectators along the line of the march will watch nearly 60 balloons, 15 of which will be giant character balloons; 27 intricately designed floats, and heart-pounding bands that come from around the country.
The outside of the aging former Tootsie Roll factory in Hoboken looks rather ordinary. But sometimes looks can be deceiving.
Inside the belly of the cavernous warehouse on Willow Avenue are the magical staples for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – the massive floats and balloons. They are born out of the hard work and dedication of skilled artisans, aeronautic experts, electricians, and balloon handlers who prepare all year.
For only one day in mid-November, the studio abandons the shroud of secrecy that surrounds it. It invites the press and hundreds of children from the tri-state area to visit and explore.
Tuesday, Macy’s officials gave the Reporter a tour of the studio, and provided insight into what’s new for this year’s parade.
According to Macy’s officials, each float is constructed piece by piece, painted, and waterproofed. All the floats are engineered to collapse to no more than 12.5 high and 8 feet wide so that they can be transported through the Lincoln Tunnel to the parade.
When Thanksgiving comes Thursday, spectators along the line of the march will watch nearly 60 balloons, 15 of which will be giant character balloons; 27 intricately designed floats, and heart-pounding bands that come from around the country.
This year, six new floats will debut. They include Animal Plant’s “Animal Wonders,” the New York Daily News’ “Big Apple,” Cartoon Network’s Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Pillsbury’s “Holiday Lovin’ Oven,” The Oklahoma Centennial Commission’s “Oklahoma Rising,” and Warner Home Video’s “The Polar Express.”
New Balloons Include Dora the Explorer (TM), Healthy Mr. Potato Head, Jojo’s Circus, Scooby-Doo, and Macy’s Parade Humpty Dumpty.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 from 9 a.m. to noon.
It will begin at 78th Street and Central Park West. It proceeds to Columbus Circle and turns onto Broadway. The parade marches down Broadway and turns west on 34th Street, just past Macy’s Herald Square. The parade finishes at Seventh Avenue. It will be broadcast live on T.V.