Minnesota Connections to Watch for in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Growing up one of my family's traditions was to gather in front of the TV and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My brother and I thought it was the coolest thing ever and once the parade was over we'd take our toys, create our own floats, and put on our very own Thanksgiving Day Parade.

There are some incredible displays, balloons, and performances that are featured in the parade, and this year that includes a few Minnesota connections!

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History of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The first-ever Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was back in 1924 and actually had nothing to do with Thanksgiving, even though it happened on Thanksgiving Day.

History.com writes that Macy's had done really well in the '20s and in 1924 they expanded to be one full city block in Manhattan’s Herald Square in NYC.

To advertise their new store and to kick off the holiday shopping season, Macy's held a parade in front of the location on Thanksgiving Day. But the parade was actually all about Christmas.

The parade was very popular and Macy's announced the following day that they would do the parade on Thanksgiving again next year. And the rest is history!

Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year marks Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade! Unfortunately, the forecast is calling for rain through the whole parade, including some downpours according to the New York Post.

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But the parade will go on! It happens rain or shine so don't worry, you'll still be able to see all of the festivities tomorrow morning. This includes our Minnesota connections to this year's parade.

Minnesota High Schooler is Performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

One of our connections to the parade this year is a high school senior at Rosemount High School. His name is Noah Carlson and he'll be playing the mellophone in the Great American Marching Band.

The Great American Marching Band consists of high schoolers from across the country who auditioned for a spot in the band for the parade.

Minnesota Company Being Represented at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Also in the parade will be Minnesota-based Jennie-O.

Bring Me the News says this is the 5th year that Jennie-O will have their 'Big Turkey Spectacular' float in the parade.

Also representing Jennie-O on their float this year will be hip-hop artist T-Pain.

T-Pain told CBS, "'I've got some surprises up my sleeve to help make it a happy turkey day and celebrate the start of the holiday season!'"