The Western Clowns, formerly known as the Cowboy Clowns, are a clown unit from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Cowboy Clowns made their debut in the 1992 Macy's Parade, horsing around with a series of western elements. Wearing their 50-gallon hats, the court jester cowpokes delighted the crowd with their special playing of street circus. The clown unit was temporarily retired after this appearance, but was brought back in 1995, now sporting updated costumes that included full cowboy attire. The following year, cactus costumes were added to the group, rebirthing the clowns as the Cactus & Cowboy Clowns.
In 2000, clowns dressed as cows were added to the unit, with the group once again being renamed, now as the Cactus, Cowboys & Cow Clowns. The cow costumes only lasted for two Parades, and in 2002 the clown unit was reverted back to its previous name.
Following the 2003 Parade, the Cactus & Cowboys Clowns were retired for a year, and brought back in 2005 as the Western Clowns. In 2007, float escorts from the Oklahoma Rising float were added to the group, which included clowns participating in barrel racing. The clown unit appeared through the 2011 Parade, when they were retired.
In 2013, the clowns returned as the Wild West Cowboys & Engineers and appeared alongside the Wild West Express. Following this appearance, the clown unit was permanently retired from the line of march.
See also[]
- Rocking Horse, the toy float the Western Clowns often accompanied.
- Hoedown Clowns