The Circus has been an integral part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since its founding. Originally billed as a circus parade complete with live animals, juggling and comedy acts, pre-parade performances by circus troupes would later be commonplace from the 50s to 60s, as would a series of circus-themed floats.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Nine generic Circus themed floats appeared in the line of march for 25 years, with the earliest debuting in 1949, and having a consecutive streak in the Parade for the next ten years over five floats. A similar streak followed from 1962 to 1969 over three floats, before one final one-off Circus float was introduced in 1974; it would be retired after that year's Parade.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have performed/appeared on the float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC Telecast.
Circus (1953)[]
- 1953 - Steve Allen
- 1954 - Abbott & Costello with appearance by Lassie and Felix the Cat
Circus (1955)[]
- 1955 - The Polack Bros. Circus with appearance by Zippy the Chimp
Circus (1957)[]
- 1958 - Ted Zeigler as "Johnny Jellybean"
Circus (1959)[]
- 1959 - Angelina and Betty Gorum with an appearance by The Puckers
Circus (1962)[]
- 1963 - Jack Palance
- 1964 - Dave Garroway & The Streetlites
Circus (1965)[]
- 1965 - John Raitt and the Torellie Sisters
- 1966 - Frankie Michaels
- 1967 - Bruce Yarnell
Circus (1968)[]
- 1968 - Leon Bibb
- 1969 - Dick Roman, sang "The Circus is Here" with an appearance by Marc Copage
Circus (1974)[]
- 1974 - The Broadway Cast of Godspell