The Founding Fathers are a group of balloonheads from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that represent America's Founding Fathers.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Founding Fathers balloonheads made their debut in the 2004 Macy's Parade, presented in a patriotic display of pageantry alongside the Uncle Sam and Americana Sphere novelty balloons. The group of balloonheads features some of America's Founding Fathers - George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson - with each carrying an icon of their life, such as Washington's hatchet and a tool used in Franklin's kite experiment.
Beginning in 2007, the trio of patriots would escort a group of spirited Patriotic Clowns down the Parade route, waving flags on America's holiday. Following this appearance, the Thomas Jefferson balloonhead was permanently retired from the group.
Following a brief absence in 2008, the Founding Fathers balloonheads returned to the lineup for the 2009 Parade. However, only the Benjamin Franklin balloonhead appeared, now paired up with the Abraham Lincoln balloonhead which was introduced the year before.
George Washington once again joined Lincoln and Franklin for the 2010 Macy's Parade. This trio would continue to make appearances in the line of march until the 2013 Parade, following which the balloonheads were retired alongside many other elements in the Americana unit. The balloonheads have since sat in storage, last being confirmed to exist in November 2016.
The Founding Fathers balloonheads have also made sporadic appearances over the years at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, entertaining guests as they wait for the show.