Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Mishaps: Unforgettable Incidents and Spectator Injuries
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has seen its fair share of memorable mishaps over the years From runaway balloons to audience injuries, this article highlights some of the biggest incidents that have occurred during this iconic event
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a yearly event that is known for its spectacular displays and entertainment. Since its inception in 1924, it has grown to become a beloved tradition for families to enjoy before their Thanksgiving feast, featuring giant balloons and musical performances that appeal to people of all ages.
The parade kicked off with Macy's workers parading to the store's original site at Herald Square. This tradition was put on hold from 1942 to 1944 due to the helium and rubber needed for World War II, causing the event to be temporarily halted.
Starting in 1952, families across the country have been able to tune in to the NBC broadcast. However, live TV brings the possibility of on-air mishaps, including balloon malfunctions and injuries.
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Keep scrolling for the most memorable on screen mishaps over the years:
Credit: Getty Images (3) ; Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
Biggest Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Mishaps: From Runaway Balloons to Audience Injuries
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade experiences some hiccups every year, but it remains the largest parade globally since its inception in 1924. It has become a must-watch event on Thanksgiving Day, featuring giant balloons and musical performances that cater to all family members before they sit down to their Thanksgiving feast.
Macy's employees kicked off the parade by walking to the store's original location at Herald Square. The tradition was put on hold from 1942 to 1944 due to the demands of World War II for helium and rubber, which forced the event to be suspended.
Since 1952, families across the United States have been able to tune in to the broadcast on NBC. However, live TV brings the possibility of on-air mishaps, such as injuries and balloon malfunctions.
Keep scrolling for the most memorable on screen mishaps over the years:
Credit: Getty Images (3) ; Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
Biggest Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Mishaps: From Runaway Balloons to Audience Injuries
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has encountered challenges every year. Originating in 1924, it has evolved into a must-see event on Thanksgiving Day. With its giant balloons and musical acts, there is entertainment for the whole family to enjoy before sitting down to their Thanksgiving feast.
Macy's employees led the parade, walking to the store's original location at Herald Square. The tradition was interrupted during World War II from 1942 to 1944 due to the need for helium and rubber. The event was revived in 1952, allowing families across the United States to watch the broadcast on NBC. However, live TV also brings the potential for on-air mishaps, including injuries and balloon malfunctions.
Keep scrolling for the most memorable on screen mishaps over the years:
Credit: George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images
Kicking Off the 1st Parade on an Unexpected High Note
In 1927, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade unveiled its inaugural balloon: Felix the Cat. However, the event took a chaotic turn when handlers struggled to deflate the giant balloon, ultimately leading to the unintentional release of Felix the Cat, causing him to pop.
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Mighty Mouse Down
Another balloon malfunction came in 1956 when Mighty Mouse hit a street sign and deflated.
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Popeye's Rainy Day
One year later, the Popeye balloon began to fill with water as a result of the weather. The situation escalated when a powerful gust of wind caused the collected rainwater to pour down on the spectators in the crowd.
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Superman's Surprising Injury
While the Superman balloon made its way through the parade in 1985, the decoration got caught on a tree branch and was ripped off.
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Bugs Bunny's Unfortunate Tear
Due to a snowstorm in 1989, the Bugs Bunny balloon got a tear on the side.
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Kermit Takes a Bow
In 1991, the Kermit balloon crashed into a tree, causing it to deflate on the left side of its head. Despite this mishap, handlers managed to keep the balloon in the parade until the end. However, Kermit was removed from rotation until 2002.
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Rex the Dinosaur and Sonic the Hedgehog Meet Their Match
In 1993, two balloons suffered damage when they collided with lamp posts. Sonic the Hedgehog landed on an off-duty police officer, resulting in minor injuries. It wasn't until 2011 that the balloon made another appearance in the parade.
Credit: Evan Agostini/Liaison
Cat in the Hat Causes a Coma
At the 1997 parade, the Cat in the Hat balloon collided with a lamppost, causing it to break and leading to a woman suffering a fractured skull. This resulted in the attendee being in a coma for a month, prompting Macy's to establish new regulations regarding the dimensions of their balloons.
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Barney Scares the Children
That year, Barney was not a pleasant sight as the balloon got torn apart by the wind. Despite the handlers' efforts to deflate the balloon, the damage was already done for the young fans who were eager to catch a glimpse of the large purple dinosaur.
Credit: David Pomponio/FilmMagic
An M&Ms Accident Leads to Stitches
In 2005, two sisters sustained injuries when the M&Ms balloon collided with a street light during strong winds. The impact caused the street light to shatter, with debris striking the sisters, resulting in one of them needing stitches on the back of her head.
Credit: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
A Broadcast Disaster
Amid the 2008 broadcast of the parade, Al Roker, Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer were taken off the air when a Keith Haring balloon crashed right into their booth.
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Scotty McCreery's On-Air Mistake
After winning American Idol season 10, McCreery was given the chance to perform in the 2011 parade. Unfortunately, he missed his cue while singing "The Trouble With Girls" and viewers noticed that he was lip-syncing.
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Spider-Man Is Out of Commission
In 2013, Spider-Man's arm was ripped open after the balloon hit a tree. The fictional superhero was able to finish its route through New York.
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American Authors Delivers a Surprising Performance
As they geared up to perform "Best Day of My Life" in 2014, the band got carried away and kept on waving to the audience as the music kicked in. The camera briefly switched to another scene before coming back to American Authors, who were now singing along to the track, but by then it was too late.
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Nutcracker Gets Overpowered
In 2019, the Nutcracker balloon hit a woman hard enough that she fell onto the pavement following a strong gust of wind.
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Ronald McDonald Requires Medical Assistance
That same year, the Ronald McDonald balloon had its foot ripped open after hitting a tree. The strong wind didn't help and the clown deflated so heavily it needed to be pulled from the parade.
