The Rocking Lion is a toy float from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and is one of the oldest elements still used in the Parade.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Rocking Lion made its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 1979. The miniature float is a spin on the classic Rocking Horse float, and was designed by Manfred Bass and built by the Macy's Parade Studio. Float escorts of impromtu circus acts including a lion tamer, a strong man and a tightrope walker kept the lion on his rocker.
The Rocking Lion continued to appear from its debut until the 1995 Parade, taking a two-year absence before returning in 1998. The toy float would be once again retired after 2001, later making reprise appearances in 2007, and from 2010 through 2012.
The Rocking Lion float made a return appearance for the 2019 Parade, now appearing alongside the Big Apple Circus and the Circus Clowns and receiving a roaring round of applause from spectators.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have appeared/performed on the Rocking Lion over the years, in addition to the songs they sang on NBC's broadcast of the Parade.
- 1979 - Franco Columbu & Andy Kaufman
- 1980 - Stephanie Millis sang "Never Knew Love Like This Before"
- 1982 - Deneice Williams sang "I Believe in Miracles"
- 1983 - Ashford & Simpson sang "It's Much Deeper"
- 1984 - Judy and Audrey Landers sang "Whenever I Call You Friend"
- 1986 - Stepfanie Kramer
- 1990 - Dagwood & Blondie
- 1991 - Ashlee Levitch sang "If My Friends Could See Me Now"
- 1992 - Rich Little
- 1993 - Pedro Luis Garcia and Rebeca Rambal
- 1995 - Stars of Kidsongs
- 2001 - Brian Skala and Shedrack Anderson III
Trivia[]
- The 98-inch tall Rocking Lion is approximately 2-3 times the size of a real-life lion.
- Rocking Lion made an appearance at Studio Day 2013.