Little Golden Books is a popular series of Children's Books that have been going on since 1942, and they're currently being published by Penguin Random House as of 2001.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Story Book Train (1971)[]
To promote Little Golden Books' 30th anniversary in 1972, Western Publishing partnered with Macy's to make a float for the 45th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Designed by long time designer Manfred Bass (with input from his children Gleen and Laura,) the float featured Tootle, the Little Locomotive, and on the train are some of the books made by Little Golden Books, with the main character on top of their respective books, including:
- Saggy Baggy Elephant
- Tawny Scrawny Lion
- Detective Arthur
- The Poky Little Puppy
The float also featured the "Golden Hippo" which appeared on the back of the float (along with someone on top of him reading a book). For the occasion, Western Publishing wrote an original song made just for the Parade titled "Golden Moments." Beginning in 1972, costumed people sang on the float, and the Saggy Baggy Elephant had a new look, In 1973, comic book characters Little Lulu and Tubby appeared on top of the golden hippo. The float was retired after the 1973 Parade. In 1977, Many parts of the float were auctioned off at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Auction, Fifty Years of Spectacular Parade Memorabilia.
Saggy Baggy Elephant (1988)[]
After 15 years of absence, a circus-themed float based off the Saggy Baggy Elephant would debut in the 62nd Macy's Parade. The figure of the character was recycled from the Story Book Train float 15 years prior. The float was retired after the 1992 Parade.
Guest Stars[]
Below, you will find a list of every guest star(s) that has appeared on the float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC Telecast.
Story Book Train (1971)[]
- 1971 - Todd Trombetta sang "Golden Moments"
The Saggy Baggy Elephant (1988)[]
- 1988 - Harry Groener & Arleen Sorkin sang "We're a Couple of Swells"
- 1989 - Fred Travalena (As the Joker) sang "The Joker is Me"
- 1992 - Paul Binder, Micheal Christensen, and The Big Apple Circus Cast