Exploring the History of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a pre-Christmas celebration. Inspired by Gimble Brothers' parade, Macy's event featured nursery rhyme characters and live animals. Over the years, it evolved with the introduction of balloons, designed by Tony Sarg, and became a New York City tradition. The parade was paused during WWII but resumed in 1945. It gained cultural significance through the film 'Miracle on 34th Street' and was first televised in 1948. Today, it features giant balloons, floats, and attracts millions of viewers both in person and on TV.

What was the primary reason Macy's decided to start a Thanksgiving Parade?

• To celebrate the opening of a new store

• To kick off the holiday shopping season

• To compete with other department stores

• To promote a new product line

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which department store originally came up with the idea of a Thanksgiving Parade?

• Macy's

• Gimble Brothers

• Sears

• JCPenney

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What was the theme of the floats in the first Macy's Christmas Parade?

• American folklore

• Popular nursery rhymes

• Historical events

• Famous movies

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.8.5

Who was hired to design the window display and animal-shaped balloons for Macy's?

• William Gimble

• Herbert Strauss

• John Macy

• Tony Sarg

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.8.5

What was done with the large balloons at the end of the parade in the early years?

• They were given to children

• They were sold to the public

• They were released into the air

• They were deflated and stored

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Why was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade canceled during World War II?

• Due to a lack of interest

• Because of a shortage of helium and rubber

• Because of bad weather

• Due to financial difficulties

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which movie helped to further ingrain the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade into American culture?

• Home Alone

• It's a Wonderful Life

• Miracle on 34th Street

• A Christmas Story

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

When was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade first televised nationally?

• 1948

• 1947

• 1946

• 1945

Which character was introduced as a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1934?

• Mighty Mouse

• Mickey Mouse

• Felix the Cat

• Bullwinkle

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

Approximately how many people watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from home each year?

• 50 million

• 30 million

• 20 million

• 10 million