The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is set to host its 94th edition of the event this year. However, the physical parade just isn't possible as the world continues to face the risks of the coronavirus.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed new details surrounding the event in a pandemic briefing this morning. According to Blasio, a live, physical parade will be unable to proceed this year in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Large scale events are still banned in NYC - which was formerly a hot spot for the virus.
Instead, Macy's has pledged to "reimagine" the parade, hoping to still bring holiday cheer to millions of viewers at home. This could bring a number of ideas, but we'll have to wait to hear more about what the new televised event will look like. Whatever it may be, the new event will serve as a place holder as Macy's is determined to resume the parade in 2021.
Last year was the 93rd edition of the parade
Macy's also made changes to their annual fourth of July celebration earlier this year. A smaller version of their fireworks show was produced and streamed for viewers online.
Mayor Blasio complimented the company:
"I always want to express my appreciation to everyone at Macy's. They are extraordinarily civically minded. They care about New York City. We saw what they did on July 4th with an amazing fireworks display. They found a way to do it, to celebrate our country and our city and give us hope and they did it safely."
The parade is the largest holiday event hosted in NYC each year, with millions tuning in to watch on NBC. Viewership from the parade was on a decline last year. The 2019 parade saw a seven-percent decrease compared to 2018.
The Macy's website encourages fans to check back for details on how the new event can be viewed:
"Following our successful, safe and innovative production of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks®, it is our intention to similarly re-imagine Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this November. Stay tuned for more details later this fall."
The show is still expected to include many performances, plus appearances of parade balloons being pulled by vehicles. Overall, the production will reduce participants by 75% with the remaining split between two days of filming.
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