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2011 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Administrator — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:08:35 +0000

Photo: Courtesy of Tishman Speyer-Photographer Bart Barlow

It’s that time of year! The lighting of the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!

The 79th annual holiday extravaganza will feature a Norway Spruce tree that is 74 feet high, 46 feet in diameter and weighs 10 tons.

The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. First erected in 1933, the inaugural tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the then eight-month-old RCA Building, now the GE Building. The Christmas tree gathering was enhanced in 1936 with the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. NBC-TV televised the tree lighting for the first time in 1951 on “The Kate Smith Show” and as part of the nationwide “Howdy Doody” television show from 1953-55.

The NBC televised lighting, hosted by Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, will take place on Wednesday, November 30 From 8 To 9 P.M. ET on NBC. Prior to this year’s primetime telecast, WNBC, NBC’s flagship station will broadcast an additional live hour of the special from 7 to 8 p.m. ET . This first hour will feature performances by Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Buble, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon and also a special performance by Megan Hilty, star of the upcoming NBC musical drama “SMASH”.

Other NBC affiliates broadcasting the pre-lighting special are WVIR – Charlottesville, VA, WLWT – Cincinnati, OH, WBOY – Clarksburg, WV, WETM – Elmira, NY, WBBH – Fort Myers, FL, WHAG – Hagerstown, MD, WBIR – Knoxville, TN, WGAL – Lancaster, PA, WAVE – Louisville, KY, WNBC – New York, NY, WCAU – Philadelphia, PA, WEYI – Saginaw-Bay City, MI, WTWC – Tallahassee, FL, WNWO – Toledo, OH, WFMJ – Youngstown, OH, WHIZ – Zanesville, OH, KMIR – Palm Springs, CA.

Anyone can enjoy a live view of the most famous Christmas tree in the world online at nbcnewyork.com!

Follow @rockcenternyc for all the latest updates and join the conversation on twitter with hash-tag #RockCenterXmas.

Interested in what a famous New York Christmas tree has to say? For fun, mixed in with a bit of snark, follow @30rockTree.

Source: NBC.com
Photo: Courtesy of Tishman Speyer-Photographer Bart Barlow

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Office Closed for Thanksgiving 2011

Administrator — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:07:53 +0000

Photo by joiseyshowaa

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. We will reopen on Monday, November 28.

If you are in town for the weekend, NYC has a plethora of events to celebrate the Holiday weekend! Here are a few favorites:

Macy’s Balloon Inflation on Thanksgiving Eve:
What’s better than watching the floating giants rise? For details and the inflation map click here. For information on the balloons, please click here.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
Be part of the more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of New York City, and more than 50 million viewers tuning in nationwide to watch the historic and world famous 85th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Parade boasts approximately 8,000 participants including balloon handlers, float escorts, clowns, marching bands, cheerleaders, dance groups and other performers.

The 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route will once again bypass Broadway on it’s way to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street.

The Parade will begin at the traditional 77th Street and Central Park West kick off, it will travel down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, where it will veer towards 7th Avenue and march down 7th through Times Square. It will then turn onto 42nd Street to 6th Avenue marching down the Avenue of the Americas to 34th Street where it will turn and end at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. (Parade Route Map)

Thanksgiving Meal

Check out Eater.com’s epic The Ultimate NYC Thanksgiving Dining and Shopping Guide and their guide to getting a Thanksgiving feast to go.

The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience at Madame Tussauds
The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience is back at Madame Tussauds New York, just in time for the holidays! This unique cinematic experience will enable you to smell the aroma of hot chocolate, feel the icy chill of snow brushing past your face, hear the roar of the locomotive and feel as though you are a passenger aboard the magical Polar Express as you follow the story of a young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve! It’s a full-sensory adventure that is perfect for the entire family. (Trailer)

Purchase your all access pass online, which includes general admission to Madame Tussauds NY, SCREAM, Polar Express, and Behind the Scenes, to save up to 15%.

NYC Service:
Give thanks by sacrificing some of your time. NYC Service, run by the City of New York, knows that everyone has something to offer. They can assist you with using your time, passion, skills and willingness to help address New York’s most pressing needs. Simply visit their website, and answer this question: I want to help New York with: ________. You can search volunteer opportunities by a variety of variables such as date, area, and your specialties.

Ice Skating:
Ice skating in the City is a beloved seasonal tradition. Whether you are participating or watching, the only problem is which of our World famous rinks do you choose from?

Enjoy!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2011 – Participating Flatiron District Restaurants

Administrator — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:30:59 +0000

From January 24 – February 6 you can enjoy special three-course, prix-fixe meal at some of New York’s top participating restaurants. Many of them right here in our area! (Flatiron District)

The cost for lunch is $24.07. Dinner is $35.00. Please note that prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Saturdays are excluded and Sunday participation is optional.

We’ve listed the participating restaurants in our area in alphabetical order. You can view the menus and make reservations online at NYC Restaurant Week’s page.

If you are having a meeting in the office and want to go out for a special lunch or early dinner, the receptionist will be more than happy to make reservations for you.

A Voce
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch

Aldea
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Valid for: Lunch

Angelo and Maxie’s Steakhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Dinner

Bar Stuzzichini
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner

Barbounia
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, & Sunday Dinner

Black Duck
Cuisine: New American
Valid for: Dinner & Sunday Dinner

Blue Smoke
Cuisine: Barbecue
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Bocca Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Dinner

Brasserie Les Halles
Cuisine: French
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

The Breslin Bar & Dining Room
Cuisine: British
Valid for: Lunch

City Crab & Seafood Company
Cuisine: Seafood
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Craftbar
Cuisine: New American
Valid for: Lunch

Dos Caminos
Cuisine: Mexican
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Dinner

Giorgio’s of Gramercy
Cuisine: New American
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Hill Country Barbecue Market
Cuisine: Barbecue
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

The Hurricane Club
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Valid for: Lunch & Sunday Dinner

i Trulli Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

ilili
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Japonais
Cuisine: Japanese
Valid for: Dinner

Kellari’s Parea Greek Bistro
Cuisine: Greek
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Maialino
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch

Nuela
Cuisine: Latin
Valid for: Dinner, Sunday Dinner

Periyali
Cuisine: Greek
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Lunch & Sunday Dinner

Pranna Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Valid for: Dinner

Primehouse NY
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner

Resto
Cuisine: New American
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner

SD26
Cuisine: Italian
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Dinner

SushiSamba
Cuisine: Japanese
Valid for: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Dinner

Tamarind
Cuisine: Indian
Valid for: Lunch, Sunday Lunch

For a complete listing of all participating restaurants in the City, please visit the official NYC Restaurant Week Page.

Need an office in the city? A place to meet before and after your delicious 2011 Restaurant Week meal?

Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
Tel: 1.212.627.8900
Fax: 1.646.861.6610

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VH International Business Solutions, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @ManhattanOffice

All About Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloons 2010

Administrator — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:37:23 +0000

“A floatilla of delight takes to the sky over New York City once more as giant character helium balloons soar in the 84th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. From a pop culture wunderkind to a high-kicking Panda, the star-studded lineup of giant character balloons in America’s Parade will turn millions of spectactors into awe-struck children as their favorite characters take larger-than-life form.

From the first time a balloon soared into the lineup in 1927, the giants have become a signature of the Macy’s Parade. Over the years, a storied cast of the world’s most famous characters have taken their place among the procession’s high-flying inflatables. From Felix the Cat, the first giant, to the Parade’s two new additions – Diary of A Wimpy Kid and Kung Fu Panda™, the star-studded list continues to grow every year.

Before the new giant balloons take flight on Thanksgiving Day, they begin life as a pencil sketch in the crafty hands of a skilled Macy’s artist. Under the direction of John Piper, vice president and lead designer of the Macy’s Parade Studio, the Studio’s resident group of “Balloonatics” are challenged to create a larger-than-life version of the well-known character. From there, the character will undergo a series of transformations. The balloon creation process is a magical combination of aerodynamics, engineering and artistic design. Macy’s conducts the creative and high-tech process in collaboration with aerodynamic and engineering consultants, Aerostar, who together calculate the balloon design’s aerodynamics, buoyancy and lift. Once a flight-worthy balloon concept has been approved, it moves on to the clay and painted model construction phase. This step helps the team create a blueprint from which the balloon will be built. After those elements have passed inspection, the process moves forward to the cutting of hundreds of patterns of polyurethane fabric that when sealed together will create elements of the character, from the head to the body. Once the balloon has been created and painted to the exact specifications of the character, it will undergo many tests including indoor and outdoor test flights, inflation and deflation tests, and final touch-ups before taking flight on Parade day.

Before a balloon can fly on Turkey Day, the new recruits must undergo their official outdoor test flight. Macy’s Balloonfest* is the official unveiling and test flight of the Parade’s new giants. At the event taking place on Saturday, Nov. 6, each balloon’s pilot and captain, and the flight management team of twelve, guide hundreds of handlers as they fly the balloon in an extreme real-world setting. At its conclusion, the balloon will be deemed flight-ready and will retire to prepare for its Thanksgiving Day debut.

Following is the Complete Cast of Giant Helium Character Balloons in the 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
DISNEY•PIXAR

It’s back to 34th Street and Beyond for Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story’s fearless inter-galactic Space Ranger. In celebration of the monster hit Toy Story 3, Disney•Pixar’s hero returns for his third trip down the streets of New York to the delight of millions of fans. The larger-than-life space fighter measures 67.7-feet long, 39.9-feet wide and 34.3-feet tall. On Thanksgiving Day, Buzz is guided down the route by his trusty jet pack and a few dozen handlers.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
ABRAMS BOOKS

It’s not a diary, it’s a journal! So proclaims middle-schooler Greg Heffley about the book he’s clutching to his chest for security. Millions of kids along the route and in homes across the nation are bound to rejoice as they see the new Diary of A Wimpy Kid balloon take flight this Thanksgiving. At 60-feet long, 25-feet wide, and 56-feet tall, “wimpy” is not the right word to describe this balloon behemoth. From the look on his face, we have a feeling Greg will be writing about this holiday experience just as soon as he makes it to the Parade finish line.

HORTON
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Whovilleans rejoice – your giant protector returns once again to take the wonderful Whos of Whoville on another trip down Manhattan on Thanksgiving Day. Horton the Elephant, from the hit film Horton Hears A Who will keep his eyes firmly planted on the delicate clover protectively wrapped in his trunk while on his third holiday flight. Measuring 59.8-feet long, 31.8-feet wide and 43.4-feet tall on his voyage, Horton is a giant with a heart of gold and toenails the size of large beach balls!

KERMIT THE FROG
DISNEY

Kermit the Frog, the most beloved member of Disney’s Muppets, is as much a pop culture sensation today as he was when he was first introduced to global audiences 55 years ago. The star of both big and small screen, Kermit recently squired Lady Gaga to the MTV Music Awards, sang a duet on “Saturday Night Live” with Academy award-winner Robert DeNiro and took over NBC’s “Today Show” with great humor and heart. On Thanksgiving, Kermit, at 78-feet long, 36-feet wide and 60-feet tall soars high above Manhattan thanks to 11,000 cubic feet of helium. The world’s most famous amphibian is now the world’s largest one, which surely will have fans cheering up and down the route except for maybe Miss Piggy, who is more than likely to be green with envy.

“SUPERCUTE” HELLO KITTY®
SANRIO

Returning to the lineup and celebrating Sanrio’s 50th anniversary this year is Supercute Hello Kitty®. Dressed in her supercute superhero outfit, Hello Kitty will take flight once more donning a cape and tiara to complement her trademark red bow. Standing at 33.6-feet tall, 34.8-feet wide and 45-feet long, Hello Kitty will soar over the Big Apple bringing smiles to her millions of fans.

KUNG FU PANDA™
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

At more than 16,000 cubic feet of helium, Po from Kung Fu Panda™ is truly a larger-than-life master of the ancient Chinese art of Kung Fu. Designed by the magicians at Macy’s Parade Studio, Po is created with the help of more than half a mile of fabric and is covered in 17 gallons of paint. For his Parade debut, Po the Panda measures 42-feet tall, 46-feet long, and 34-feet wide, giving him the scale to take giant leaps down the route, poised to deliver his signature martial arts moves along the way.

PIKACHU
THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL

Pikachu, the most recognizable character of the Pokémon™ universe, returns to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade once again chasing after his Poké Ball. Always an electrifying presence, Pikachu holds a special secret in his rosy cheeks – electricity is stored there. Watch as Pikachu lights up Thanksgiving Day while he flies down the route standing at 53.5-feet high, 36.9-feet wide and 40.8-feet long, and filled with 15,000 cubic feet of helium.

PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY®
PILLSBURY®

The Pillsbury Doughboy® balloon returns to the Parade lineup this year for his second Thanksgiving Day flight. From his normal 8 ¾-inch frame to a balloon giant measuring 53.7-feet in length, 34.4-feet in width and 46.4-feet in height, the loveable Doughboy is sure to make a splash once again along the route. With his arms outstretched and his bright blue eyes shining in the light, the Pillsbury Doughboy is ready to ring in the holidays with millions of families across the country.

RONALD McDONALD®
McDONALD’S®

Ice skating his way down the route once again this year is the one-and-only Ronald McDonald®, the world’s most famous clown. Always in a playful mood and wearing the world’s largest pair of ice skates for a fun-filled holiday activity, Ronald measures 76.4-feet long, 28.8-feet wide and 48.6-feet tall, and is inflated with 13,650 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

SAILOR MICKEY
DISNEY CRUISE LINE®

All aboard! It’s Sailor Mickey at the helm of the ultimate family cruise. Sailor Mickey returns to the Parade lineup sporting his nautically-inspired red, white and blue gear. Giving a Thanksgiving salute to the gathered crowds, Mickey rides down the route in style aboard a cruise ship anchor. Mickey measures 48.1-feet long, 33.6-feet wide, 60.9-feet tall and will be filled with 14,750 cubic feet of helium on his return voyage to New York this Thanksgiving.

SHREK™
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

Shrek™, the loveable ogre from Far Far Away will be returning to the sky over Manhattan this Thanksgiving for his final flight. The truly fantastic fairytale character has had an amazing run and will retire in ogre the top style, as only he can. Standing at 44-feet tall, 47-feet long and 39.3-feet wide, Shrek is dressed in his signature woodsman outfit complete with oatmeal sweater, plaid pants and brown vest and will be filled with over 14,130 cubic feet of helium for his final trip through the Big Apple.

SMURF
LAFID BELGIUM / SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

Happy Thanksmurfday! The sky over Manhattan will once again be blue this Thanksgiving as the giant Smurf balloon returns for another smurferrific holiday excursion. Smurfy as always, he will wave hello to millions of friends while on his high-flying trip. Measuring 57.6-feet long, 38.7-feet wide and 47-feet tall, the whimsical Smurf is filled with 15,050 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

SNOOPY AS THE FLYING ACE
PEANUTS WORLDWIDE

Continuing his record-breaking Parade flights, Snoopy, the wildly imaginative, supremely confident world-famous beagle returns to the lineup as the Flying Ace for his 35th year. This year, Snoopy is celebrating another milestone as his PEANUTS® pals celebrate their 60th anniversary. Holding binoculars and sporting an aviator hat, goggles and a red scarf, Snoopy is ready for another showdown with the dreaded Red Baron. Ready as always for the challenge, Snoopy stands at 52-feet high, 25-feet wide and 49.5-feet long and is filled with 15,000 cubic feet of helium.

SPIDER-MAN®
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Marvel’s Spider-Man® the legendary crime-fighting web-slinger returns to the Parade lineup triggering the Spider-senses of millions on Thanksgiving morning. New York’s own friendly neighborhood Super Hero™ takes to the skies over Manhattan to ensnare a new generation of fans. Spidey, in a full web-slinging pose, measures 78-feet long, 37.8-feet wide and 29.1-feet tall and is filled with 11,800 cubic feet of helium.

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS™
NICKELODEON

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS™! On Thanksgiving, the world’s favorite undersea optimist will once again take a special holiday trip to soak up the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Based on the pop icon and Nickelodeon television series, the balloon will absorb more than 16,200 cubic feet of helium to fly down the route. Although it may appear square, the balloon isn’t square at all, he is actually a single chamber sphere, intricately made square-shaped by more than 600 internal tie-lines. Looking dapper as always, SpongeBob SquarePants stands at 62-feet high, 38-feet wide and 28-feet long.

The following is a complete cast of Balloonicles, novelty/mid-sized and small balloons:

ARRTIE THE PIRATE
Returning to the lineup is everyone’s favorite one-eyed seafarer – Arrtie the Pirate. A recreation of the classic Pirate balloon of 1947, Arrtie stands at 36-feet tall and is filled with 3,600 cubic feet of helium easily plundered from various tanks. With map in hand, Arrtie is on a search for holiday treasure this Thanksgiving.

BASEBALL
Featuring a signature from R.H. Macy himself, the world’s largest baseball is destined to be hit right out of the park this Thanksgiving. Measuring 12-feet in height, this giant baseball is filled with over 900 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.

BASKETBALL
A giant Basketball balloon is here to cheer on Macy’s All Stars. At 15-feet in diameter, this Basketball giant will be dribbling down the route filled with 1,766 cubic feet of helium.

BEACH BALL CLUSTER
Everyone knows that a bright bouquet of balloons adds color and brings smiles to children everywhere. The Macy’s Parade Balloon Cluster returns to the lineup with the biggest, brightest beach balls ever seen in New York. With a height of 25-feet and filled with 2,858 cubic feet of helium, the balloon cluster is sure to be a big holiday treat.

BIG MAN SANTA
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT
The star of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the big man himself – Santa Claus. To pay tribute to his star status, Macy’s Parade Studio magicians have created a fantastic new balloon depicting the cheery man himself with a rather jolly belly, this time full of helium. Big Man Santa measures 26-feet in height and 21-feet in width and will next be seen heading south for the winter to star in Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Orlando® Resort.

CANDY CANE
Kids will scream in delight wishing they could get their hands on this sweet treat. This 20-foot tall red candy cane is a holiday favorite on a sky-high sugar rush.

CHLOE THE HOLIDAY CLOWN
A Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade staple, Chloe the Holiday Clown returns for another trip down New York City. At 28.5-feet tall and 18-feet wide, Chloe is filled with 2,242 cubic feet of helium.

ENERGIZER BUNNY®
ENERGIZER®
America’s favorite pink bunny returns to the Parade this year, fully charged and ready to drum up some more holiday spirit. He may dislike stop signs, but there is no stopping the Energizer Bunny® balloonicle from another super cool trip down the Parade route. Cool and collected as always, he doesn’t let the chilly November air deter him from sporting his favorite sunglasses and 45 EEE-sized flip-flops. The Energizer Bunny brings long-lasting fun as he powers down the Parade route and gets spectators to keep smiling, keep cheering and keep going.

GEOMETRIC BALLOONS
Icosahedrons rule! For the mathematically-challenged, each of the two Geometric balloons are a 20-sided polygon made up of equilateral triangles. These icosahedrons measure 16-feet in height and will be filled with 1,700 cubic feet of helium.

HAROLD THE FIREMAN
Who better to salute the city’s bravest, the men and women of the New York Fire Department, and lead the Fire Brigade Clowns down the route than that lovable character Harold the Fireman! Originally seen in the Parade of 1948, Harold is a recreation of the original balloon. At a height of 32-feet, New Yorkers can rest assured that he will keep a watchful eye over the city. Harold is supported in the air by 2,800 cubic feet of helium, which makes blowing out fires a breeze.

TAKASHI MURAKAMI’S KAIKAI & KIKI
KAIKAI KIKI CO., LTD.
Inspired by traditional Japanese paintings and kawaii (cute) culture, Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai and Kiki will take new form in this year’s Parade moving from the Superflat artistic style to helium character balloons. Like their past sculptural incarnations, Kaikai (the character in white) possesses long ears and a round, adorable face, while Kiki (the character in pink) has a more fantastical appearance, complete with three eyes and protruding fangs. As they fly down the Parade route, they are posed with heads high and arms and legs thrust out in a joyful expression. At 3-stories tall and 40-feet long, the Parade’s newest art balloons will be the largest renditions of Kaikai and Kiki to date.

KIT, CHARLIE & C.J. ELF
The Gnome balloons from the 1940s and early ‘50s have been recreated and are now Parade standards. Kit, Charlie & C.J. Elf are back for another Thanksgiving Day jaunt. At 34-feet high, 18.5-feet wide, and filled with 2,100 cubic feet of helium, these novelty balloons give a new meaning to the word “elf.”

KOOL-AID® MAN
KRAFT FOODS
Taking a skateboard ride down the Macy’s Parade route this year is none other than Kool-Aid Man! Debuting as a Parade balloonicle, the always smiling, super cool, Kool-Aid Man stands at 33-feet tall and 24-feet wide and is wearing size 130 sneakers. Enjoying the holiday with millions of fans, Kool-Aid Man can be heard shouting “Oh Yeah” as he waves his 6-foot tall hand down the route.

MACY’S STARS
Macy’s is the star of the Parade as its signature five-pointed star flies high in a variety of colors and configurations. Celebrating the famed red star that guided R.H. Macy to shore during his days as a seaman, the Macy’s star still shines today.

MACY’S ORNAMENT BALLOONS/BALLOONICLES
Macy’s knows how to accessorize the holidays! From Poinsettias and Pumpkins to Snow Crystals, Macy’s ornament balloons add a splendid touch to the holiday palette. Making their debut this year are two new dazzling ornament balloonicles that will ride down the route reminding everyone that Christmas is almost here.

PLANET EARTH
POWER RANGERS SAMURAI
Saving the world is the mission of the famed Power Rangers who will be introducing their next generation of rangers, Power Rangers Samurai, at the Parade this year. The beloved group of heroes will lead a 14-foot wide stunning orb featuring the beauty of Planet Earth down the line of march. Go Go Power Rangers!

STRAWBERRY/PISTACHIO ICE CREAM CONE
Looking very delicious, the Strawberry/Pistachio Ice Cream Cone balloon stands 30-feet tall, top to cone tip and is a scrumptious treat for the sweet-toothed crowds.

UNCLE SAM
Let’s hear it for the red, white and blue as Uncle Sam makes his way down Manhattan in true patriotic spirit. The first Uncle Sam balloon debuted in the Parade in 1938 and flew until 1940. This latest Uncle Sam balloon is a recreation of the 1938 original. Representing everything American, Uncle Sam is a proud citizen of the Parade and the USA!

VIRGINIA
Making her debut in the Macy’s Parade this year is a little girl who taught everybody to believe! Modeled after the animated version of 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who famously wrote to the editor of the New York Sun about the existence of Santa Claus, Virginia is ready to kick off the holidays for her inaugural flight. And although, she “saw it in the Sun, so it must be so,” Virginia will have a special treat when she escorts Santa Claus himself down the Parade route.

WIGGLEWORM
The Wiggleworm balloon in all its multicolored glory returns to the Parade this year. At 15-feet high, 19.3-feet wide and filled with 3,900 cubic feet of helium, this worm will wiggle its way into Parade spectators’ hearts this Thanksgiving.

More information on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be found online at www.macys.com/parade or by calling the Parade hotline at 212-494-4495.”

Source & Photos: Macy’s

Enjoy!

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Website: Manhattan Virtual Office
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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Administrator — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:33:24 +0000

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2010 (84th Annual) Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which takes place on Thursday, November 25, 2010 from 9am to 12pm:

“The 84th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® Returns To Kick Off The Magical Holiday Season With Its Giant Helium Balloons, Floats Of Fancy, Marching Bands, Celebrities, Performance Groups And The One-And-Only Santa Claus

A star-studded cast joins Macy’s to celebrate the holidays including India Arie, Big Time Rush, Betty Buckley, Ann Hampton Callaway, the casts of Broadway’s American Idiot, Elf, Memphis and Million Dollar Quartet, the Big Apple Circus, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Miranda Cosgrove, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Gloriana, Michael Grimm, Arlo Guthrie, Keri Hilson, Eric Hutchinson, Juanes, Victoria Justice, Gladys Knight, Mannheim Steamroller, Kylie Minogue, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, Power Rangers Samurai, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Crystal Shawanda, Jessica Simpson and Kanye West

2010 Parade Route To Once Again Travel Down 7th And 6th Avenues To Macy’s Herald Square.

The nation’s most cherished procession returns once more for a dazzling dose of spectacle, enchantment and tradition as the 84th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® kicks off the holiday season. On Thursday, Nov 25, 2010 at 9 a.m., the world will rejoice as the march begins at the sound of “Let’s Have A Parade™!” With more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of New York City and more than 50 million viewers tuning in nationwide, America’s Parade will present its signature giant helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performers, clowns, and the one-and-only Santa Claus. It’s a spectacular line-up that is more than 8,000 magic-makers strong!

Since 1924, the merry magic of Macy’s has been on display for generations to enjoy and cherish. Started by a small group of dedicated employees who gathered to celebrate freedom and give thanks with band instruments and clown makeup, the Parade to this day is the greatest volunteer effort Macy’s gives to the nation. From clowns to balloon handlers and a slew of behind-the-scenes jobs, the Macy’s Parade is a labor of love for all those who continue to gather on Thanksgiving Day. While every job is important, no one position can quite compare to that of executive producer.

This role is the famed ringleader of the troupe that marshals the cavalcade down the route each year. Immortalized by Maureen O’Hara in the famed holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street,” this integral role has been occupied by only a handful of people in the Parade’s 84-year history. The current “Top Hat” is worn by Robin Hall, who this year marks a handover of the greatest job on the planet to Amy Kule, Macy’s gvp of National Events, who is assuming the role of executive producer.

“Since 2001, it has been my great privilege to lead America’s most fabled Parade down it’s storied route,” said Robin Hall, svp of Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group. “I have decided this year will be my 10th and final march, as I proudly pass the mantle of executive producer to Amy Kule, my able and very talented colleague who has been here to support me from my very first year.”

Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, commented, “I’m honored to follow in Robin Hall’s incredible footsteps. He’s lead this iconic event with grace for an amazing 10 years and I promise to preserve its grand tradition. With an outstanding team and a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers, we’ll proudly march the Parade into the future for generations to come.” She added, “Our 84th Macy’s Parade will once again entertain an entire nation with a fantastic pageant filled with the most popular giant character helium balloons, awe-inspiring floats, the nation’s best marching bands, and a dazzling array of other elements that will enchant millions of Parade fans everywhere.”

For 2010, the Macy’s Parade will once again follow a route first taken last year as the procession winds down to Macy’s Herald Square. Beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West, the Parade will travel south to Columbus Circle, turn onto Central Park South before making a right turn to march down 7th Avenue to 42nd Street. The Parade will then turn east towards 6th Avenue where it will march down the Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west marching in front of Macy’s Herald Square. The Parade will step off promptly at 9 a.m. and end at noon.

The 84th edition of the Parade of whimsy features 15 giant character balloons; 43 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles and balloonheads; 27 floats; 1,600 cheerleaders, dancers and performance group members; 800 clowns; 12 marching bands; and a host of celebrity performers.

A Ballooning Spectacle

The sky above Manhattan will once again be a canvas on which the most popular characters in the world take flight on Thanksgiving Day. Since 1927 when Felix the Cat was first inflated and added to the procession, the Parade’s giant character balloons have wowed generations with their high-flying bigger-than-life proportions. Joining the lineup of iconic characters this year are two new helium giants, Diary of A Wimpy Kid and Kung Fu Panda™.

Also joining the balloon procession this year is the Parade’s latest acquisition for its “Blue Sky Gallery” – Takashi Murakami’s rambunctious duo Kaikai and Kiki. The airborne gallery features inflatable versions of famed artistic works. With these balloons, Murakami joins Tom Otterness, Jeff Koons and Keith Haring in the lineup of artists that have contributed works to the Parade. In addition to these twin balloons, the Macy’s Parade will debut a new balloonicle of the very sporty Kool-Aid® Man. Also making her debut is a balloon version of the animated Virginia O’Hanlon, the 8-year old girl who taught the world to believe when she wrote a letter to the editor that elicited the world-known response – “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

Rounding out the buoyant balloon lineup are returning favorites including Buzz Lightyear, Horton, Kermit the Frog, “Supercute” Hello Kitty®, Pikachu, Pillsbury Doughboy®, Ronald McDonald®, Sailor Mickey, Shrek™, Smurf, Snoopy as the Flying Ace, Spider-Man®, and SpongeBob SquarePants™.

Magical Floating Stages

Riding down the street on Thanksgiving Day will be the Parade’s fantastic lineup of floats that feature landscapes of fantasy. These moving stages transport millions of spectators on unexpected journeys. This year’s fleet includes 27 floats, seven of which are new. The rookies include the holiday quest on board Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure™; the dance party on Elves Raise the Roof; the scrumptious delights on board the Home Baked Goodness float; the historical significance of Mount Rushmore’s American Pride; the adorable traveling duck family of the On the Roll Again float; the icy beauty of the Snow Queen, and the legendary stage of the Top Hat! float.

The returning float roster includes 123 Sesame Street, Big Apple, Bountiful Harvest Cornucopia, Bridge To The Future, Castle of Dreams, International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower, Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, Local Heroes Helping Everyday, Marion-Carol Showboat, Pep Rally, Santa’s Sleigh, Shine On, The Smurfs™, Santaland Express, Snoopy’s Doghouse, Statue of Liberty, Tom Turkey, The True Spirit of Thanksgiving, Winter Wonderland in Central Park and Woodland Family Gathering.

March to the Beat

The musical heart of the Parade comes from the jaw-dropping talents of its incredible marching bands. The bands pump up the volume and entertain the crowds with their musical and marching ability, setting the perfect rhythm for the start of the holiday season. Representing their home state and local community, the bands in the lineup are truly the best of the best. Striking a special note this year is Latin Marching Band “Pedro Molina” that will be making their New York debut straight from Guatemala. Ready to step to the beat are Blue Springs High School from Blue Springs, MO; Eastern High School from Middleton, KY; Grants Pass High School from Grants Pass, OR; Green Valley High School from Henderson, NV; Lassiter High School from Marietta, GA; Latin Marching Band “Pedro Molina” from Guatemala; Purdue University from West Lafayette, IN; University of Southern Mississippi from Hattiesburg, MS; Seminole High School from Seminole, FL; Waukesha North High School from Waukesha, WI; and Macy’s Great American Marching Band featuring students from all fifty states.

Dance, Jump, Sing

The Macy’s Parade would not be complete without a little razzle dazzle from some of the nation’s best performance groups. They add a dose of pomp and cheer, not to mention flips, dips, spins and vocal acrobatics. From cheerleaders to a Bollywood dance ensemble, this year’s Parade features a host of unique performers. Set to wow the crowds are performers from the Arya Dance Company, Big Apple Circus, Spirit of America Dance, Stage Door Manor, Stepper-ettes, Tap City Youth Ensemble, US Pizza Team, Varsity Spirit Cheer and The Young Americans.

Magical Stars

Ready to entertain millions in the Parade of magic are stars from music, stage, and screen who will perform for the nation at Macy’s famed red star mark on 34th Street. Stars joining the festivities this year include India Arie, Big Time Rush, Betty Buckley, Ann Hampton Callaway, the Big Apple Circus, Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Miranda Cosgrove, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Gloriana, Michael Grimm, Arlo Guthrie, Keri Hilson, Eric Hutchinson, Juanes, Victoria Justice, Gladys Knight, Mannheim Steamroller, Kylie Minogue, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, The Power Rangers Samurai, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Crystal Shawanda, Jessica Simpson and Kanye West.
A Must See

A nationwide star, the national broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC is one of the nation’s most viewed events. Millions of families tune-in from coast-to-coast to watch the telecast hosted by TODAY’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Viera and Al Roker. Airing from 9 a.m. to noon in each of the four time zones in the continental United States, the Thanksgiving Day star power extends to the exclusive performances of some of the hottest Broadway shows including American Idiot, Elf, and Memphis. In addition, the telecast will feature a special performance of NBC’s The Sing Along and the world-famous Radio City Rockettes® will return to kick start the holiday season.

A Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere, has been the motto of the Parade since the beginning, which is why the procession’s finale features the biggest star of all, Macy’s one-and-only Santa Claus. As his sleigh comes into view and the start of the holiday season is upon us, Santa wishes the nation a very Merry Christmas.

More information is available at www.macys.com/parade or via the Parade Hotline at (212) 494-4495.”

Source & Photos: Macy’s

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