Thanksgiving Design Fix: The Macy’s Day Parade
November 21, 2007
Taking a break from the design firm for the holiday, I might need to find some design inspiration elsewhere. I have always loved parades, and I try to watch at least some of the Macy’s Day Parade each Thanksgiving. What used to be “Ooooooh! Look! It’s Garfield!” has, in later years become, “How much did that float cost?” or “How did they make that?” Here are some interesting things I found out:
• the parade is 2.5 miles long and lasts 3 hours – It starts at 9am, but people line up early (like 6am!) to get the best view
• one float can take about 5 months to build. see the design process here.
• each float is assembled in the studio – HOWEVER – they each have to be designed to be “deconstructed” to get through the Lincoln Tunnel before the parade. A 24ft wide, 40ft high float must fold down to 8ft wide by 12.5 ft high!
• in 2006, there was a worldwide helium shortage (isn’t that weird?) , so they had fewer balloons in the parade
• my new favorite word is “balloonicle,” which is a self-powered balloon vehicle
• 2007 will introduce 2 new balloons: Shrek and Super Cute Hello Kitty
Stumble it!
Tags: , graphic design, Macy's Parade, product design
content rss
