Float On

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Floats, Balloons, & More Statistics

<p>In its 85 years, the <a href="/content/dailybeast/videos/2010/11/25/kanye-performs-at-the-thanksgiving-parade.html">Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade</a> has brought excitement to children and adults alike all across the country with massive balloons, Broadway performances, and of course, the first glimpse of <a href="/content/newsweek/2006/12/20/is-santa-claus-real.html">Santa Claus</a>. This year’s will be no different, but before the parade kicks off, find out just what goes into putting the event together, from gallons of paint to amount of helium.</p>

3Number of times the parade has been canceled, from 1942 to 1944 during World War II. Though in 1971, the balloon portion was cut due to heavy rain.

4Number of PETA members arrested for streaking at the parade in 1995.

4Number of people reportedly injured by balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since its inception.

9Years Betty White co-hosted the parade with Lorne Greene.

10Number of hours it takes to blow up all the balloons the day before the parade.

9Number of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasts that have earned the Daytime Emmy for outstanding achievement.This past year’s parade earned an Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for “Yes, Virginia (There’s a Santa Claus).”

17Gallons of paint it took to cover the balloon of Po from Kung Fu Panda.

36Number of years Snoopy has been in the parade, more than any other characters. He has had six reincarnations: Aviator Snoopy, Astronaut Snoopy, Skating Snoopy, Millennium Snoopy, and Flying Ace Snoopy.

80Number of feet high the tallest balloon ever was: Superman. Though he was originally introduced in 1939, Superman got a makeover in 1966. But it was the third time that was the charm in terms of height. This 80-foot Superman made his debut in 1980.

120Number of feet the longest balloon ever reportedly was: Nantucket Sea Monster. Unfortunately, the Nantucket Sea Monster was destroyed and the rubber recycled for use during World War II, so the length remains a mystery.

600Number of internal tie-lines it takes to make the SpongeBob SquarePants balloon square.

650Pounds of scrap rubber donated to World War II from the parade’s balloons during its suspension.

800Number of clowns who will be in the 2011 parade.

13,200Number of feet marchers, floats, and balloons travel in the Macy’s Day Parade route since 2009.

350,000Cubic feet of helium it takes to blow up the balloons every year, which is roughly the same volume as 2.6 million gallon jugs of milk. The largest balloon ever, Shamu the baby whale, used more than 18,000 cubic feet.

50,000,000Number of people who watch the parade from home.