The John B. Stetson Company, founded by John B. Stetson in 1865, was the maker of the Stetson cowboy hats but ceased manufacturing in 1970. Stetson hats are now being manufactured in Garland, Texas, by Hatco, Inc., who also produce Resistol and Charlie 1 Horse hats.
Stetson resumed manufacturing in the 1980's, but the company went bankrupt in 1986. The factory equipment and the license to manufacture Stetson hats were purchased by Hat Brands, a company owned by Irving Joel.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The company debuted a new float in the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade titled "Stetson is America". The float featured a Western Town and a gang of hoedown dancers giving a Wild West display throughout the route. It was previously recycled from the Legend of the Lone Ranger float from 1980. The float would be retired after the 1983 Parade and several pieces were recycled into The Western Village float in 1992.
Guest Stars[]
Below, you will find a list of every performer/celebrity that has performed/appeared on the float.
- 1981 - Moe Bandy, performed "Rodeo Romeo"
- 1982 - The Oak Ridge Boys, performed "Santa's Song"
- 1983 - Lynn Anderson, performed "You Can't Lose What You Never Had"