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Jimmy Lane: Macy's parade still a good platform for country stars
November 17, 2010
By: Jimmy Lane

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For most of us, our childhood memories of Thanksgiving include watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. While mom was in the kitchen preparing our huge turkey feast my siblings and I would be in the living room watching the parade. Some years we would head to Grandma’s house and we would miss some of the show while we were in the car. When we got to Grandma’s house, the parade would still be on.

My favorite part of the parade was, and still is, the giant balloons. Many of the same balloons we watched in the ’70s are still part of the parade. Mickey Mouse has been floating above the crowds on 34th Street since 1935 and Felix the cat even longer. The high school bands, the floats and the witty commentary from the hosts made the Macy’s parade a wonderful event to view.

I grew up in Wisconsin, so it never occurred to me that one day I might live close enough to drive to New York City and actually witness the event live and in person. Even though I haven’t quite made it yet, it is on my bucket list. If you do go, make sure you arrive early and dress warmly. Chances are the weather will be wicked and the view will be limited. It’s more than likely you will be miserable. But still, you should see it at least once in person, right?

New stars

Country music has been a part of the Macy’s parade since the start and it is still a great platform for artists to perform their current hits for a crowd of millions. In recent years we have seen new starts such as Julie Roberts and Miley Cyrus. Darius Rucker and Trace Adkins had the privilege of performing on floats last year. Rucker was on a giant guitar-shaped float while Atkins was surrounded by his wife and children. Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Wynona Judd have all represented country music in recent years.

This year, three country stars are already confirmed to perform. Newly-engaged country/pop star Jessica Simpson will join Gloriana and Crystal Shawanda. Gloriana will perform its hit “Wild at Heart.” Shawanda will represent her Ojibwa Indian heritage. She will be on the Oneida Indian Nation’s “True Spirit of Thanksgiving” float.

Maybe I’ll see you there.

Jimmy Lane is the 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. morning show host and music director at WCTY (97.7 FM) in Norwich. E-mail him at jimmy@wcty.com

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