The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in North America. Founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, it now sells its products in over 60 countries worldwide and is a member of the World Cocoa Federation.
The company is famous for producing milk chocolate candies, including its famous Hershey bars and its flat-bottomed conical candies called "Hershey's Kisses". Other well-known products of the company include Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers candy twists, York Peppermint Patties, Jolly Rancher fruit candies, Ice Breakers chewing gum, and caramel candies like Rolo and Milk Duds. It also has an indoor attraction center called Hershey's Chocolate World.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The company debuted a brand-new float in the 76th edition of the Parade in 2002. The float features kids dressed as chocolate connoisseurs working busily to help create Hershey's kisses, chocolate bars, Twizzlers, lollipops and more, just in time for the holiday season. At the rear of the float, a clock towers over the rest of the float, alongside two bellowing smoke pipes with "Candytown U.S.A" inscribed on the side, in addition to a high-flying American flag. Although the float was retired after 2006, the escort costumes from the float continued to make appearances as the Half Baked Holiday Clowns, who still appear in the Parade as of 2021. The clock of the float is now a decoration at the parade studio.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have performed/appeared on the float throughout its time in the line of march.
- 2002 - no secrets, sang "Kids in America"
- 2003 - Clay Aiken, sang "Silver Bells"
- 2004 - José Feliciano, sang "Feliz Navidad"
- 2005 - B5, sang "U Got Me"
- 2006 - RBD, sang "Tu Amour"