Macy's Balloon-A-Thon was an event held in the spring of 1995 and 1996 that displayed various elements of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Event History[]
The event was first held on Thursday, May 4th, 1995 through May 7th, 1995 at the Park Slope Armory in New York City. The event was referred to as "the largest exhibit of Macy's giant balloons ever gathered under one roof!" Balloons showcased at the 1995 event included Quik Bunny, Smokey Bear, Barney and Snoopy. For four days, offered guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the color excitement and magic of the world's most famous Parade. Other elements included at the Parade included many of the Parade's dazzling floats, clowns and children's characters.
The 1996 event was held on Thursday, April 25th, 1996 through Sunday, April 28th, 1996 at the South Weymouth Naval Air Station. New elements to the second annual event was a balloon version of Betty Boop and various cold-air inflatables.
The event was only held in 1995 and 1996, and a similar event has yet to be held.
Parade Units featured in Macy's Balloon-A-Thon 1995[]
Giant Balloons[]
- Sonic the Hedgehog by Sega of America, Inc.
- Garfield by Paws, Inc.
- Betty Boop by Kings Feature Synicate
- Snoopy & Woodstock by United Media
- Barney by Lyrick Studios
- Quik Bunny by Nestlé
- Smokey Bear by United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service
- The Pink Panther by United Artists Pictures, Inc.
- Woody Woodpecker by Walter Lantz Productions, Inc.
Novelty Balloons[]
Falloons[]
- Paddington Bear by Eden Toys
- Sea Venture by Macy's
Cold-Air Inflatables[]
- M&M's Blue Brand Character by M&M's Chocolate Candies
- The Cat in the Hat by Random House Children's Publishing
- The Toy Drummer Boy by Macy's
- The Wizard of Oz Trio by MGM
- The Wicked Witch of the West by MGM
Floats[]
- Holiday Sweets by Dunkin' Donuts
- Big Apple by New York Daily News