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Information in this article is about real-life people, companies, and objects, which do not relate to the in-universe Sonic series. |
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Sonic Balloon is a huge helium balloon shaped like Sonic the Hedgehog that has flown in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Appearances[]
First balloon[]
Classic Sonic in the 1993 parade.
In 1993, due to Sonic's popularity, the character had a balloon modeled after him in the 67th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, being the first-ever video game character to appear.[1] The Sonic the Hedgehog Boom version of the Sonic Spinball main theme played in the NBC footage, and footage from its test flight was used due to the heavy winds.[2] Unfortunately, the 64-foot tall balloon deflated after colliding with a lamppost just south of Columbus Circle, injuring an off-duty police officer and a child.[3][4]
In 1994, the balloon was repaired so it could be used as a decoration during the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 launch event in Punxsutawney.[5] The balloon reappeared for the next Macy's Parade that year. Sonic was the lead balloon and flew until the end. Then co-host of the parade, Katie Couric referenced his previous appearance by saying "He ran into some trouble last year because the winds were so high, but we're glad to see he's doing well this year."[6]
In 1995, the balloon appeared after the Sega-sponsored Pico Bus. However, within the route Sonic collided with another lamppost, and was eventually removed entirely after losing too much helium.[5] On NBC, footage from the 1994 parade was used, and the accident was not mentioned by the hosts.[7]
In 1996, the balloon flew to the end, with the Sonic Spinball theme being played again that year.[8]
In 1997, Sonic was able to fly in the parade but had trouble again. Shortly after the parade started to march, Sonic's head was ripped open and the balloon had to be removed for the third time. Due to severe damages, Sonic would be retired after five appearances.[9]
Second balloon[]
Modern Sonic in the 2011 parade.
In 2011, a new redesigned Sonic balloon was made for the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in celebration of Sonic's 20th anniversary. It was a 350-pound, 50-foot tall balloon based on the modern incarnation of Sonic. He lead the parade off that year (behind star-shaped balloons with the words "Macy's"). Splash Hill Zone Act 1's theme from Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I was played in the background.[10]
The balloon reappeared in the 2012 parade as the fifth to last balloon that year.[11]
In 2013, Sonic was the second character balloon shown (after Snoopy and Woodstock from Peanuts). He suffered a mishap that year, having his left arm caught on trees. The balloon had to be cut free, but it was not damaged.[12][5] The next year, Sega confirmed that the balloon would not appear in the 2014 parade.[13]
In 2021, the balloon was brought back to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.[14] During the NBC broadcast of the parade, an orchestral version of "Reach for the Stars" was played.
Trivia[]
- Despite the Sonic balloon not appearing at the 2014 parade, there was a dance performance to a video game medley that included the title screen music from the original Sonic the Hedgehog.[15]
- The 1993 Sonic balloon is tied with the original Snoopy balloon with the most removals of any balloon in the parade, with both being removed three times.
- On the poster for the 1996 Parade, Sonic's legs were incorrectly colored the same color as his arms, besides his usual blue color.
Gallery[]
Concept artwork[]
Posters[]
Photos[]
| Gallery |
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 The balloon in 1994.  The balloon in 1995.  The balloon in 1996.  The balloon in 1997.  Model of the 2011 balloon.  Sonic mascot costume next to the 2011 balloon model.  The balloon in 2011.  The balloon in 2011.  The balloon in 2011.  The balloon in 2012.  The balloon in 2012.  The balloon in 2012.  The balloon in 2013.  The balloon in 2013.  The balloon in 2013.  The balloon in 2021.  The balloon in 2021.  The balloon in 2021. |
References[]
- ↑ Fahey, Mike (24 November 2016). The History Of Gaming Balloons In The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kotaku. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1993 (full). Youtube (31 August 2015). Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
- ↑ Dillon, Sam (26 November 1993). Balloons, Floats, Bands And (Rip!) Lots of Wind. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018.
- ↑ Eyewitness News ABC7NY (2 December 2019). Sonic the Hedgehog balloon busted at 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Youtube. Retrieved on 3 December 2020.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 PatMac (23 November 2017). The History of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Sonic The Hedgehog Balloon. Youtube. Retrieved on 3 December 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1994 (full). Youtube. Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1995 (full). Youtube. Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1996 (full). Youtube. Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1997 (full). Youtube. Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2011 - The NEW Sonic The Hedgehog Balloon (20TH Anniversary). Youtube (26 November 2011). Retrieved on 3 December 2020.
- ↑ Sonic Balloon Thanksgiving Parade 2012. Youtube (22 November 2012). Retrieved on 3 December 2020.
- ↑ Nir, Sarah Maslin (28 November 2013). Balloons Fly Low, but Parade Delights. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 23 November 2018.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter. Twitter (26 August 2014). Archived from the original on 31 May 2020.
- ↑ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved on 5 October 2021. "Everyone’s favorite blue blur is back! Sonic the Hedgehog, the first-ever video game character to appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, dashes through the streets of New York City once again to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise."
- ↑ Expressions Dance (26 November 2014). EDMC at Macy's 2014. Youtube. Retrieved on 5 December 2020.
External links[]
- Sonic the Hedgehog at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Wiki