An estimated 250,000 spectators attended the first parade.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an annual event presented by the
retail store chain Macy’s since 1924. It is the second-oldest parade held in the U.S.
on Thanksgiving, along with Detroit’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade.The Macy’s
event has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952.
Tim Maguire
Original PBS television run: November 10, 1969 – present
Original television run on CBS: September 24, to May 12, 1966
Candy manufacturer Clarence Crane of Garrettsville, Ohio invented the brand in
1912 as a "summer candy" that could withstand heat better than chocolate. The
candy’s name is derived from its similarity to the shape of life preservers used
on boats. Life Savers is currently a property of Mars, Incorporated.
