Amica Mutual Insurance

American Classic Malt Shop
The American Malt Shop Classic float makes its way down Central Park West in the 2003 Parade. (Photo: Macy's, Inc.)
Years active	2003-2007
Sponsor	Amica Insurance
Designer	Jennifer Palmer
Type	Float

Amica Insurance is a mutual insurance company based in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The company was founded in 1907 by A.T. Vigneron, and offers automotive, fire, theft, homeowners, marine, and personal excess liability insurance. It is the oldest insurer of automobiles in the United States, and is known in the insurance industry for its financial strength and exceptional customer service.

History with the Macy's Parade

Amica Insurance made its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2003, with a fabulous 1950s throwback float titled American Classic Malt Shop. The 25 foot tall, 20 foot wide, and 35 foot long float featured a replica of a vintage malt shop complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain, spinning platters, and a chrome and gold jukebox. Towering over the float was a three-scoop sundae big enough to feed 800 prom-goers, topped with a cherry the size of a bowling ball.

On board for the retro ride were Macy's own bobby-sockers dressed in 1950s prom attire and letterman sweaters, reminding spectators of the days of sock hops, poodle skirts, and drive-ins.

The American Classic Malt Shop float made its way down Broadway with a groovy beat and a hip shake for five consecutive appearances, retiring after its appearance in the 2007 Parade. The float was later refurbished into the Despicably Delicious! float in 2013, with its float escort costumes being recycled into the Malt Shop Clowns.

Guest Stars

Listed below are the guest stars that have performed/appeared on the American Classic Malt Shop float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC telecast.

• 2003 - Hilary Duff, sang "So Yesterday"
• 2004 - Barenaked Ladies, sang "Jingle Bells"
• 2005 - The Beach Boys, sang "Little Saint Nick"
• 2006 - Darlene Love and Hairspray's Dynamites, sang "It's All About Tonight" accompanied by Broadway Dance Center
• 2007 - Nikki Blonksy and Dancers from Hairspray, sang "You Can't Stop the Beat"

Trivia

• Katie Couric's daughter, Caroline Couric, made an appearance on the American Classic Malt Shop float in the 2003 Parade; this appearance was later featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 85^th Anniversary Special.
• In a poll conducted on iVillage.com in 2007, the American Classic Malt Shop received 2% of the favorite float vote, tying it with 1-2-3 Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop, Starship Discovery by greendog, Holiday Lovin' Oven by Pillsbury, and Music Bigger Than Life by Gibson Guitar.