Macy's Getting Ready For Its Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade; CBS2 Gets A Sneak Peek At New Floats
MOONACHIE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Macy's is gearing up for the return of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
CBS2's Christina Fan got a sneak peek at some of the floats on Tuesday.
The six new floats were constructed at the Macy's parade studio in Moonachie, New Jersey.
"We are always pushing the boundaries and trying to find creative ways to bring the parade to life," executive producer Will Coss said.
"Really, it's about that togetherness. We like to be that sort of connective tissue on the holiday that helps usher in what we all crave. And that's that family togetherness," said Rick Pomer, Macy's creative director.
This year's new floats include "Birds of a Feather Stream Together" by Peacock, "Celebration Gator" by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, "Colossal Wave of Wonder" by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, "Magic Meets the Sea" by Disney Cruise Line, and Tiptoe's "North Pole."
But one float in particular caught Fan's eye. It is the "Gravy Pirates" by Heinz. That's because the four-piece boat is actually a new parade element called the "Floalloonicle." As its name suggests, it's part float, part balloon, and part vehicle.
"This can actually interact with the crowd and play out a narrative on the street. And that narrative is Heinz Gravy Pirates. They are out to capture all the side dishes and douse them with gravy on Thanksgiving morning. What can be better than that?" Pomer said.
Each floating stage takes eight to 10 months to develop, from early sketches to sculpting to painting and animation.
This year's parade will feature a total of 28 stages.
"The goal in building our floats is to just have that moment of joy to bring a smile to people's faces," Coss said.
It's gargantuan responsibility the floats have been carrying for 95 years.
After a final check, the new floats will be broken down, packed up, and then re-assembled for their big debut on Thanksgiving Day.