Each year on the fourth Thursday in November families and friends gather to celebrate and give thanks. While traditions on this day vary from family to family, one Thanksgiving Day tradition that has remained unchanged is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Starting in 1924, the parade has become a Thanksgiving day tradition with millions of viewers every year. To celebrate this holiday tradition, here are some unknown facts about the 87 year old parade.
1. The first giant balloon to ever be featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was Felix the Car in 1927.
2. The first Macy’s Parade was in 1924 and was actually called the Macy’s Christmas Parade and featured a 60-mile long route that ran from Manhattan to Harlem.
3. Due to World War II the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was canceled in 1942, 1943, and 1944.
4. Each year the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends with Santa Clause as a way to symbolically usher in the holiday season. But, in 1933 Santa Clause didn’t end the parade but was the opening attraction.
5. Due to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy’s has become the second largest consumer of helium in the world. 
Ken Stoepel Ford Lincoln 