The first parade didn't even have balloons. Instead, the 1924 event featured live animals, including lions and camels. The first ever "character balloon" was Felix the Cat, who made his debut in the 1927 parade.
They didn't use helium at first. The original balloons were supported by poles, and weren't inflated with helium until 1928. This year, to celebrate the 90th parade, there will be an exact replica of the 1927 Felix the Cat balloon that will be walked down the streets supported by handlers holding poles.
The first female balloon flew in 1929, then not again until the '80s."The first female was Mrs. Katzenjammer from an old American comic who flew in 1929, but it wasn't until the '80s that women flew again, when we had Olive Oyl in 1982, and Raggedy Ann in 1984," says Kule.
The balloons may be set free again in the future. "I do hope to let them go up in the air again in 2026, to celebrate the 100th parade!" says Kule.
The Liberty Group has been providing the transportation of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons for over 30 years!