What’s up, dudes? I’ve got a whole parade of All-Stars here talking the 1987 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Anthony from ‘Tis the Podcast, Charlyn from Take a Chic Peek, and Manny from Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad join me to dive into this moment of ’80s awesomeness!
Synopsis
The 61st Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 26, 1987, in New York City, and broadcast live on NBC and CBS that same day from 9 a.m. to 12 noon EST. The NBC broadcast was hosted by Willard Scott and Mary Hart. The participating celebrities included the likes of Rita Coolidge, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bobby Vinton, Phylicia Rashad, Judy Kaye and Jill Schulz.
The weather proved to be picture perfect for the several thousand participants that brought the 61st “Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere” to life. The 2.1-million spectators that lined the streets took a course in balloon watching as 10 giant balloons flew above them, four of which were new – Spider-Man, Ronald McDonald, Snoopy, and Snuggle. The debutants joined the balloon versions of Garfield, Woody Woodpecker, Superman, and a slew of other helium giants.
Following the Albertville High School Aggie Band was a cavalcade of merry marchers, fantasy floats and comical clowns. The hit musical, Les Misérables, performed a number for the NBC telecast, and Rita Coolidge sang “Your Love Is Lifting Me Higher” from high atop the Turkey float. Jim Henson and Willard Scott were also honored with a Rollie Award. Henson was recognized for 11 years of Muppet participation in the Parade and Willard for 7 years. Patrick Swayze trotted down Broadway on his very own Arabian stallion, and Bobby Vinton rode an airplane float from Trans World Airlines.
Santa Claus, as always, ended the parade with a bang! He wished everyone a happy holiday season from his snow goose sleigh to start the 1987 holiday season!
Marvel Comics float? Yep. Singing Cabbage Patch Kids? Uh huh. Willard Scott in different hats? Definitely! So grab your red nose, put on a marching uniform, and march along into this episode on the 1987 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
‘Tis the Podcast
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Take a Chic Peek
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Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad
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