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At Macy's parade, a holiday tradition gets off the ground By Jacqueline Cutler © Zap2it Whether we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at home, snuggled in pajamas, or lined along Man- hattan's West Side, bundled against the usual chill, it's one of the few traditions Americans share. The 85th annual parade be- gins on NBC Thursday morn- ing, Nov. 24. And that night, Matt Lauer hosts a one-hour special chronicling its history. From Tom Turkey, the bal- loon that historically launches the parade, until Santa glides in front of Macy's flagship store three hours later, 800 clowns, 27 floats, 1,600 cheer- leaders, 44 novelty balloons and 11 marching bands wend their way three miles down- town. "It is one of the few experi- ences we have that is comfort- ing and feels like it is always there," says singer Michael Feinstein, making his fifth ap- pearance at the parade. "They keep up with the time, but they also do not let go of tradition." For most of us, it's a lovely annual tradition, ushering in the holidays. For John Piper, vice president of the parade studio, it's been his passion for 31 years. On a mild day six weeks before the parade, Piper walks through the massive studio The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs Thursday on NBC. in Moonachie, N.J., near the Meadowlands complex. De- flated balloons are stored in bins. Most of Snoopy, however, is inflated. His nose alone is 55 feet long. Jim Artle, the parade's most senior "balloo- natic," prepares to paint Uncle Sam's peeling red, white and blue outfit. Massive foam structures, glued onto wood frames, sit in various stages of completion. No matter how huge, each one will be compacted to 12.5 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide to fit through the Lincoln Tunnel. The Wednesday before, workers inflate the balloons and reassemble the floats, Stutzman MOTOR SALES , INC. 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LS loaded, 5.3 V8, tilt, cruise, hitch, alum. wheels, CD, silver, 107,000 mi. 03 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4 dr. van, rear A/C & heat, leather, heated seats, CD, blue, 81,000 mi. US 33 West, Goshen • 533-1166 which has become "the largest nonevent in New York City," Piper says. Some years it is so crowded, pedestrian gridlock sets in. The tallest float this year, at 36 feet, is the new torch of freedom, a re-creation of the hand, arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty, in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. "Where we were in Hobo- ken, we could see it," Piper says of the terrorist attack. Those fleeing the World Trade Center and heading to Jersey had to leave by ferry and walked by the parade's old studio. His crew handed out water. "The parade itself that year was the first major public event in New York," Piper says. "And we were all holding our breath. We knew the mantle was on us to restore everyone's faith. And with that parade came a giant breath of relief that our traditions were still there." And tradition is what it is all about. For American Idol Scotty McCreery, tradition means eat- ing turkey with his family at his grandmother's in South Mills, N.C., and watching the parade. Riding on the Home Baked Goodness float, McCreery plans to sing "Trouble With Girls." He ponders which is his fa- vorite balloon and settles on a certain lovable blockhead. "Is there a Charlie Brown one? I love that one! People say when I was younger I looked like him. When I was young I was chubby — when I was really, really young." McCreery says, "I'm looking forward to getting out there and eating a good turkey." Feinstein wrote a kids song about pirates and will be on the Jolly Pirate Ship float. "It is certainly a resonant experience because of the his- tory of what the parade repre- sents," Feinstein says. "There is something so extraordinary about being on the float and the two hours leading up to the actual performance broadcast because that is when you have the chance to connect with an extraordinary number of people, who are all at their best, people who are happy and appreciating life and enjoying the celebration of something good in our world that has lasted. "It is fantastic," he contin- ues. "People yell your name as you go by, and you see them dancing." Being on the float gives an unusual perspective, Feinstein says, as he sees people wav- ing from the windows and gets a panoramic view. Though he's lived in Manhattan and L.A. for years, Feinstein says, "The parade was just as im- portant to me growing up in Ohio because tradition is very important in our country right now at a time when so many things are changing or lost; when the world is becoming more segmented, the parade is something we all share as a country. I appreciate the way it brings people together. I ap- preciate it for the diversity of the parade. When Obama was elected I lobbied to have the first African-American Santa Claus. I am still disappointed Information on your doorstep Whether you're a teenager, a baby boomer or a senior, newspapers are a great source of information. At The Goshen News , you can find the latest local and business news , sports highlights, travel features, financial tips and more. Subscribe today! 533-2151 ext. 393 8 The Goshen News • Viewer's Choice • Saturday, November 19 - Friday, November 25, 2011 S PECTRU M EYEWEAR GALLERY Can also be seen in Syracuse. To make an appointment call • GLASSES • CONTACTS • EYE EXAMS • SUNGLASSES David Britzke, O.D. is no longer at the Vision Center in Goshen. Please call 574-970-7444 to schedule your appointment. 56028 Parkway Ave., Suite E Elkhart • 574-970-7444 574-457-4476 Allergies? Asthma? We Can Help! Snoring? Daytime Fatigue? Morning Headaches? Excessive Sleepiness? Yatin J. Patel, M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Pulmonary Medicine You may have sleep apnea. Sneeze & Snooze C L I N I C 2417 South Berkshire, Goshen 574-534-9911 www.md4lungs.com Watch informational videos on our website. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in that because it would have been an incredible message for so many kids in the coun- try. "I never dreamt that I would be a part of the parade; it's like a childhood fantasy come true," Feinstein says. Despite new attractions an- nually — Sonic the Hedgehog returns, and cartoonist/de- signer Paul Frank's creation Julius the monkey, wearing a jet pack, debuts — the tradi- tion is constant. BILL'S COLLISION SERVICE C OLLISION • BRAKES • EXHAUS T A LIGNMENTS • OIL CHANGE 13024 US 20, Middlebury • 574-825-2965 Weblinks Wednesday, Howie Mandel returns with the special "Mobbed," in which he uses a flash-mob event to surprise an unsuspect- ing person. Get the lowdown by clicking on www.fox.com/ mobbed/ On Wednesday, the game-inspired movie "Level Up" pre- mieres on Cartoon Network. For a preview, click on www. cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/promotion_landing_page/ level-up/index.html Deborah Ponce, RN, MSN, NP-C Nurse Practitioner Our friendly staff is ready to help you!

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