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Holiday traditions run deep in many families. Perhaps one of the holiday traditions that happens more often than others is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade. The pandemic has really changed life for us this year, but Macy’s gave an announcement that gives us hope. You will be able to enjoy the annual parade with marching bands, giant balloons, and live musical performances. The difference is, it will be reworked so you will be safe from coronavirus.

According to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, “It will not be the same parade we’re used to, it will be a different kind of event. They’re reinventing the event for this moment in history and you will be able to feel the spirit and the joy of that day on television, online, not a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving Day.”

The good news was shared on the official Twitter account of Macy’s, along with other social media networks.

The packed city streets in New York City will not be available this year for the parade but it’s not going to stop people from enjoying the event.

According to the executive producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Susan Tercero, organizers are doing what they can to bring normalcy to that day without jeopardizing health and safety.

They speak of the parade as being their love letter and gift to the United States and the city of New York. According to a statement, Tercero said: “Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families.”

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has been a tradition since it first took place in 1924. Although it was stopped during World War II, it got started again shortly after. In 1948, it was televised for the first time on NBC. According to Macy’s, this is the first time that the parade is being modified in 9 decades!

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Here are some of the changes that you can expect this year:

1. The New York City Department of Transportation and New York’s Police Department has approved the use of a rigged anchor vehicle framework rather than using human handlers for balloons.

2. A 75% reduction in the number of participants. Those that do participate will be split over 2 days.

3. Any participants will be socially distanced and will wear face coverings and additional personal protective equipment.

4. A television-broadcast-only production with staging of certain parade elements will take place.

5. They are not using the traditional parade route.

6. All participants will be at least 18 years of age.

7. Any college or high school marching bands will be used in the 2021 parade. Local bands and musical ensembles will be in the lineup for 2020.

You can watch the parade on NBC from 9:00 AM until noon on Thanksgiving morning.

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