NEW YORK CITY — The traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will go virtual this year due to the threat of COVID-19.
Macy’s announced the traditional parade is canceled. Instead of a two-mile parade in front of crowds of onlookers, it will be replaced by a spectator-free event staged in Herald Square.
This is the only time since three years during WW II that the parade hasn’t happened as planned.
In a statement, the company said, “For the first time in its more than 90-year history, the annual Macy’s Parade will be modified to safely bring the magic to more than 50 million viewers nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, while maintaining all of the spectacle and wonder of this cherished holiday tradition.”
This year’s event will be television-only. It will still feature the famous giant character balloons, floats, street performers, clowns, and Santa Claus. One favorite feature missing will be high school and college marching bands.
Bands selected to perform in the 2020 parade will be shifted to the 2021 parade. They’ll be replaced by New York City area professional musicians.
The traditional balloon handlers will be replaced by specially-rigged vehicles. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to participate. All participants must wear masks and maintain social disance.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “New York City is always proud to join Macy’s to ring in the holiday season with New Yorkers and viewers around the world. We’ve worked closely with the Macy’s team on a safe and creative plan this year, and we look forward to keeping this tradition going on Thanksgiving Day.”
The 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, in all time zones.