Little Bill

Little Bill
The Little Bill balloon at Macy's BalloonFest 2002.
Years: 2002-2004
Sponsor: Nickelodeon
Type: Giant Balloon
Debuted Alongside: Charlie Brown and the Allusive Football (1st Version), Kermit the Frog (2nd Version), & Mr. Monopoly
Appearances: 3

Little Bill is the title character of the 1999 Nickelodeon preschool series of the same name, based on Bill Cosby's Little Bill book series. he is a happy 5-year-old living in a big city with his extended family, which includes his parents, his older brother and sister, and his great-grandmother, known as Alice the Great. Along with his good pals Fuchsia, Andrew and Kiku, Little Bill tries hard to be fair and do the right thing as he learns life's lessons. When he stumbles, though, he has the support of his family, friends, and other adults in his world.

History with the Macy's Parade

Little Bill first appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002, making him the first African-american character to take shape as a helium-filled balloon. This balloon was also used in the "Great Big Little Bill Sweepstakes" in 2003, which chose one lucky winner and their family to be sent on a five-day vacation to New York City, with V.I.P escort to the Parade, special grandstand tickets, a specialty Thanksgiving dinner at a famous New York restaurant, $1000 in spending money, alongside an additional $1000 Macy's gift card. The balloon once again appeared in 2004, and was retired, as Little Bill's show had recently ended earlier that year. With Little Bill's fade into obscurity and many controversies with his creator, it is unlikely he will ever appear again.

Gallery

Little Bill Balloon in his debut in the 2002 Parade on the NBC Telecast

Little Bill Balloon in the 2003 Parade on the NBC Telecast

Little Bill Balloon in his final flight in the 2004 Parade on the NBC Telecast

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