The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade introduced a “balloonicle” (balloon + vehicle) in 2004. A “ballonicle” inflates just as a ballloon does, but can be driven down the parade route like a vehicle.
Wikipedia: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade presented by Macy’s Department store. The three-hour event is held in New York City starting at 9:00 a.m. EST on Thanksgiving.
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Balloonicle and Falloon Introductions
A falloon (“F”; a portmanteau of “float” and “balloon”) is a float-based balloon. A balloonicle (“B”; a portmanteau of “balloon” and “vehicle”) is a self-powered balloon vehicle.
2006: Energizer Bunny (B)
2005: SnowBo (B)
2004: Weebles (B) - (3) Tibby, Tooey, Bumpus
PR Newswire
Macy’s Debuts New Balloons, Floats and First-Ever ‘Balloonicle’ for the 78th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade(R)
NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2004 /PRNewswire/—The arrival of fall brings with it some seasonal favorites from pumpkin rides and trick-or-treating to turkey dinners and of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade(R).
This Thanksgiving, kids of all ages will have a lot to look forward to as twelve new elements including eight floats, three giant helium character balloons and a set of Macy’s newest invention—the Balloonicle (a balloon and self-propelled vehicle) join the legendary line-up in America’s pre-eminent Parade. From classic characters to timeless toys, the 78th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again feature a stellar cast of fabulous floats and of course, its big signature balloons for all to revel in and enjoy.
Movieweb.com
Thursday, November 16th, 2006
What is the biggest change that you’ve seen in the Parade over the years? Or, is the beauty of the Parade the fact that it hasn’t changed?
Robert Grippo: (...) Macy’s brought something into the parade recently called a balloonicle. It’s a great new element. It’s like an inflatable balloon around a vehicle that basically drives down the parade route.
New York (NY) Sun
Macy’s Team Ready To Float In Big Parade
By SAMANTHA O’BRIEN, Special to the Sun
November 21, 2006
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The team will also pack away the Energizer Bunny. The giant pink rabbit will make its debut this year as a “balloonicle,” a new type of balloon that moves on its own like a car. It shouldn’t come as a shock that this one’s running on batteries.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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