The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved American tradition, featuring iconic balloons, festive floats, and mesmerizing performances. While the parade itself is a spectacle, many wonder what happens to the elaborate floats after the big day. In this article, we’ll delve into the behind-the-scenes world of float maintenance, storage, and reuse, revealing the fascinating story of what becomes of these magnificent creations.
The Unwind Begins
As the last balloon deflates and the final float disappears from view, the real work begins. The Macy’s Parade team, comprised of experts from various departments, springs into action to ensure the safe and efficient dismantling of the floats.
“The unwind process is a well-oiled machine,” explains Susan Tercero, Executive Producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We have a team of experienced professionals who work tirelessly to disassemble the floats, carefully packing away each component for storage or reuse.”
The Breakdown Process
The breakdown process is a meticulous one, involving multiple stages:
- Float disassembly: The intricate structures are carefully disassembled, with each piece labeled and organized for easy reassembly.
- Component separation: Individual components, such as flowers, decorations, and mechanisms, are separated and stored in designated areas.
- Cleaning and maintenance: The floats’ underlying structures are cleaned and maintained to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.
This process is crucial in preserving the floats for future parades and reducing waste.
The Storage Solution
So, where do these magnificent creatures go after the parade? Macy’s has a dedicated storage facility in New Jersey, affectionately known as the “Float Warehouse.” This 72,000-square-foot facility is home to all the parade’s floats, balloons, and equipment.
The warehouse is climate-controlled, with specific areas designated for different types of floats. For example, the flower-covered floats are stored in a temperature-regulated section to prevent damage to the delicate materials.
A Peek Inside The Warehouse
Imagine walking into a vast, hangar-like space filled with rows upon rows of floats in various stages of disassembly. The air is thick with the scent of paint, fabric, and machinery. It’s a treasure trove of creativity, where ideas are born and magic is made.
In this warehouse, you might find:
- Float bodies: The underlying structures of the floats, awaiting their next transformation.
- Design studios: Where designers and artists brainstorm and create new concepts for upcoming parades.
- Workshops: Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and machinery, where artisans and craftspeople bring designs to life.
The Rebirth Of A Float
While some floats are retired or repurposed, many are rebuilt or refurbished for future parades. This process is an art form in itself, as designers and artisans work together to reimagine and revitalize existing floats.
“The rebirth of a float is a labor of love,” says Designer and Artistic Director, John Piper. “We take into account current trends, cultural influences, and emerging technologies to create something fresh and exciting.”
The Reuse Revolution
Macy’s is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The parade’s reuse program is a shining example of this effort. By repurposing existing floats, the team reduces the environmental impact of building new structures from scratch.
Some floats are refashioned to feature new characters or themes, while others are completely reimagined to debut as new creations. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also showcases the team’s creativity and resourcefulness.
The Float’s Next Chapter
After the parade, some floats embark on a new journey, traveling to various locations across the country for exhibitions, events, and even charity functions. These “Float Tours” bring the magic of the Macy’s Parade to a wider audience, spreading joy and excitement throughout the year.
Others might be donated to charity auctions, with proceeds benefiting worthy causes. This generosity not only supports important organizations but also allows the floats to continue inspiring and delighting people long after the parade.
A Legacy Of Joy
The Macy’s Parade floats are more than just elaborate structures; they represent a legacy of joy, creativity, and community. As they’re disassembled, stored, and reborn, they carry with them the memories of past parades, the excitement of future events, and the spirit of the holiday season.
“The floats are a symbol of hope, wonder, and magic,” says Susan Tercero. “They bring people together, inspiring us to dream big and believe in the impossible. As we bid farewell to one parade, we eagerly anticipate the next, knowing that the magic will live on.”
As the last float disappears into the warehouse, the dreamers, designers, and artisans of Macy’s Parade begin their work anew, crafting a future filled with wonder, excitement, and endless possibility.
What Happens To The Floats After The Parade?
The floats are deflated and disassembled after the parade. The deflation process typically takes around 2-3 days, depending on the size and complexity of the float. It’s a slow and careful process to ensure that the float’s intricate details and decorations are preserved. Once deflated, the floats are then disassembled and packed away in storage containers.
The floats are stored in a warehouse in New Jersey, where they are maintained and refurbished throughout the year. The storage facility is climate-controlled to protect the floats from extreme temperatures and humidity. The floats are also protected with covers and padding to prevent damage. The Macy’s Parade team takes great care to preserve the floats, as they are an important part of American cultural history and a beloved tradition.
Are The Floats Reused Every Year?
While some floats are reused every year, many are retired or rebuilt with new designs and themes. The decision to reuse or retire a float depends on various factors, such as its condition, popularity, and relevance to current cultural trends. Some floats, like the iconic Snoopy float, are revamped and updated every few years to keep them fresh and exciting. Others are completely rebuilt from scratch to debut new characters or brands.
The Macy’s Parade team works closely with designers, artists, and brand partners to create new and innovative floats that delight audiences every year. They also take into account changing cultural and social trends, as well as technological advancements, to ensure that the floats remain relevant and engaging. Whether reused or rebuilt, the floats are always designed to capture the magic and wonder of the holiday season.
Can I Visit The Floats In Person?
The floats are not typically on public display throughout the year, as they are stored in a warehouse for maintenance and refurbishment. However, Macy’s does offer a few opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with the floats. During the week leading up to the parade, the floats are on display at the Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey, where visitors can take guided tours and get a sneak peek of the parade preparations.
In addition, some floats make special appearances at Macy’s stores and other events throughout the holiday season. Fans can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the float-making process through Macy’s social media channels and online content. While access to the floats is limited, there are still ways for fans to experience the magic of the Macy’s Parade up close.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Float?
The float-building process typically takes around 4-6 months, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of volunteers involved. The process begins with conceptualization and design, where artists and designers work with brand partners to create a vision for the float. From there, the design is refined, and materials are sourced and prepared.
Once construction begins, a team of volunteers and experts work tirelessly to bring the design to life. The process involves intricate painting, sculpting, and decorating, as well as the installation of mechanical and electrical components. The entire process is a labor of love, requiring careful attention to detail and a deep commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for parade-goers.
How Many People Are Involved In Building A Float?
A team of around 100-200 people is typically involved in building a single float, although the exact number can vary depending on the complexity of the design. The team includes a mix of professional artists, designers, engineers, and volunteers from the Macy’s Parade team, as well as brand partners and other stakeholders.
The team works together to bring the design to life, with each member contributing their unique skills and expertise. The volunteers who work on the floats come from a variety of backgrounds, including art schools, design firms, and community organizations. Many volunteers return year after year, drawn by the excitement and camaraderie of the float-building process.
What Kind Of Materials Are Used To Build The Floats?
The floats are built using a variety of materials, including foam, fiberglass, and papier-mâché. The materials are chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and ability to withstand the elements. In addition, the floats are adorned with a range of decorations, including flowers, fabrics, and other materials.
The Macy’s Parade team is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and they strive to use eco-friendly materials whenever possible. The floats are designed to be reused and repurposed, reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact. From the paint to the props, every element of the floats is carefully considered to ensure that they are both beautiful and sustainable.
Can I Design A Float For The Macy’s Parade?
While the Macy’s Parade team accepts design submissions from the public, the process is highly competitive, and only a select few are chosen to participate. The team looks for designs that are creative, innovative, and relevant to current cultural trends. They also consider factors such as technical feasibility, budget, and brand partnerships.
If you’re interested in submitting a design, you can do so through the Macy’s Parade website. Be sure to follow the submission guidelines carefully, and don’t be discouraged if your design is not selected. The Macy’s Parade team values the creativity and enthusiasm of its fans, and they encourage everyone to get involved and share their ideas. Who knows? Your design could be the next big thing in the Macy’s Parade!