Hamburger Helper is a line of boxed meals consisting of dried pasta and seasonings that can create a quick and easy one-pan meal when mixed with water, ground beef, and occasionally milk. The product was introduced by General Mills in 1971 in response to a rising meat shortage and comes in a variety of flavors such as Cheeseburger Macaroni, Bacon Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak, and more. Spin-off varieties include Tuna Helper, Chicken Helper, Pork Helper, and Asian Helper. The brand was sold to Eagle Foods in 2022.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Hamburger Helper made its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2009. The float, entitled “Local Heroes Helping Everyday,” recognized the neighborhood firefighters, doctors, nurses, crossing guards, and police officers who lend a helping hand every day in their communities, just as Hamburger Helper helps families across America with dinner each night. The float features the local heroes working together in the front yard of a neighborhood home to save a distressed cat caught in a tree, below which the talent performs and helps salute these helpers. A fire truck with a working hydraulic ladder took center stage, bringing the cat to safety.
The float made three consecutive appearances and was retired following the 2011 Parade, after which it was dismantled and disposed of. The cat from the tree was saved and currently decorates the sculpting area at Macy’s Studios,[1] while the float escort costumes were recycled for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles float in 2012.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have appeared/performed on the Local Heroes Helping Everyday float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC Parade telecast.
- 2009 - Jay Sean, sang "Down"
- 2010 - Michael Grimm, sang "Try a Little Tenderness"
- 2011 - Ingrid Michaelson, sang "Blood Brothers"
References[]
- ↑ HGTV Handmade. "A Behind-the-Scenes Look At the Macy’s Parade Studio | Creative Genius." YouTube.com. November 21, 2022.