The Sesquicentennial Hot Air Balloon, previously named the Centennial Balloon, is a novelty balloon from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Centennial Balloon made its debut in the 2002 Macy's Parade, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Macy's Herald Square location. The balloon is designed with the look and feel of a turn-of-the-century hot air balloon, as well as in the actual scale. The R.H. Macy and current Macy's logo adorn the side of the balloon, rounding out a display to celebrate being 100+ years young.
Joining the dedication to the store's centennial anniversary was Macy's vintage REO Delivery Truck, which gave a ride to the Macy's Holiday Bears - Mama, Bundles, Blossom, Boomer and Broadway - and an escort of 20th century town-goers.
The Centennial Balloon was temporarily retired following the 2003 Parade, but returned in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Macy's company, and was appropriately renamed to the "Sesquicentennial Hot Air Balloon." In this appearance, it led the Parade alongside a pair of Yellow Macy's Stars and a flurry of confetti.
Following this appearance, the Sesquicentennial Hot Air Balloon was permanently retired from the lineup. It was most recently confirmed to exist on a balloon inventory chart in November 2016.