The Patriotic Top Hat, formerly referred to as Uncle Sam's Top Hat, is a float from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Uncle Sam's Top Hat float made its first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance in 2012 Parade, as part of the Americana unit which featured patriotic balloonheads, balloons and clowns. The float features a one-and-a-half story tall star-spangled chapeau modeled after Uncle Sam's famous top hat, which was previously used on the Apollo Theater and Hats Off To Our Heritage floats as a generic top hat. Banners featuring American stars and stripes decorate give the float, reminding Americans of the blessings they share on the day of giving thanks, in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
In 2013, popular snack cake company Drake's Cakes would sponsor the float. The brand's mascot, Webster the Duck, was added to the float as a walk-around character who waved to Parade spectators. The float was retired after the 2013 Parade.
The float was initially scheduled to appear in the reimagined 2020 Parade, and was renamed to its current name of the "Patriotic Top Hat". The float's appearance was planned to boast the appearance of Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier, and was to be joined by the Americana Spheres balloons. However, rising COVID-19 cases in the fall of 2020 caused the float to be removed from the line of march.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have appeared on the float through its time in the Parade..
- 2012 - Miss America 2012 Olivia Culpo
- 2013 - Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri