10 Wonderfully Nostalgic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Moments [VIDEOS]
For kids of all ages, the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade means one thing: awesome floats. And no time were they more awesome than during the '80s and '90s.
Whether it's lavish spectacles that bring cherished childhood favorites (He-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog) to life or guest appearances from stars like The Backstreet Boys and ALF, parade floats from years past provide a nostalgic window to a simpler, more Dolph Lundgren-filled time. Check out ten clips of some of our favorite Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade moments of yore below.
Dolph Lundgren Narrates the 'He-Man' Float (1986)
This 1986 float has it all: He-Man fighting Skeletor with his mighty power sword, Ninjor scaling Castle Grayskull and Dolph Lundgren (star of the 1987 'Masters of Universe' movie) narrating the proceedings with the same mush-mouthed gravitas he brought to 'Rocky IV.' And what is The Elephant Man doing there? The '80s were so weird.
Marvel Comics Float (1987)
Before they conquered the big screen, Marvel Comics heroes wore skin-tight costumes and performed awkward ballet moves amid slowly falling buildings and…Wait a second. Was that Robocop? Also, White Queen's outfit is more than a little inappropriate for a family holiday parade.
'ALF' Meets Garfield (1989)
This video of ALF, a known cat eater, narrating the Garfield balloon's travel down the parade route is pretty disturbing. It'll be a long time before we get the phrase “feline mignon” out of our heads.
Punky Brewster “Sings” (1984)
While watching this video, it's best to remember that Soleil Moon Frye was cast as orphaned moppet Punky Brewster more for her preciousness than her singing voice. Annie she was not.
Marvel Comics 'Holding Out For a Hero' (1989)
The heroes of Marvel Comics faced an even bigger threat in 1989 — the dulcet pipes of disco diva Melba Moore, who belts out Bonnie Tyler's 'Holding Out For a Hero.' (What, Tyler was busy?) Again, White Queen, put on some pants. There are children present. Even Daredevil is scandalized and he's blind.
The Muppets' Tribute to Jim Henson (1990)
We dare you to watch this 1990 tribute to the many parade floats featuring characters created by the late, great Jim Henson and not get misty-eyed. Also of note? Miss Piggy in her Bette Midler hair phase.
'Magnum, P.I.' Meets 'Dallas' (1986)
For some reason, CBS thought it was a good idea to have stars from adult shows like 'Dallas' and 'Magnum, P.I.' host their parade coverage in 1986. This makes for some awkwardly flirtatious banter between John Hillerman ('Magnum''s Higgins) and 'Dallas' hottie Deborah Shelton as they feed each other raw fish and poi during the Hawaii segments. We're also treated to Larry Hagman (in a cowboy hat, of course) and Linda Gray reporting on the Macy's Parade from inside something called the “CBS bubble.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1991)
Who thought it was a good idea to make the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ride inside convertibles? Shouldn't they be on the street performing kung-fu moves and chucking throwing stars at Willard Scott's toupee?
Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)
You know what's great about looking at the past through nostalgia-tinged glasses? You can enjoy this awesome Sonic balloon and Willard Scott and Katie Couric's banter and forget about how it later crashed into a lamppost and caused several injuries.
Backstreet Boys (1998)
If you need a visual representation of the late '90s, look no further than A.J., Howie, Nick, Brian and Kevin lip-syncing to 'As Long as You Love Me' while kids in multi-colored sweaters perform some tight dance moves below them. Oh, and kids? Those numbers on the screen are the time code on the VCR. Nobody had DVRs in 1998.
Country Whuppin’ – Jon Pardi Vs. Eric Paslay
May 21, 2013 3:55 PM Three wins down for Jon Pardi and two more to go to make the Country Whuppin' Hall of Fame. 'Up All Night' gained a very decisive win over Dakota Bradley, and now it faces off with another 'night' song from singer/songwriter, Eric Paslay!
You Can Help the Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado with Donations to the American Red Cross
May 21, 2013 3:35 PM The devastation in Moore, Oklahoma goes beyond comprehension and the death toll, unfortunately, continues to rise after yesterday's massive tornado that all but leveled the town of Moore. All of us in the Tri-State want to do anything we can to help and the best way to help is by making donations to the American Red Cross by calling 812-471-7200 or online at redcross.org/tristate.
Oklahoma’s Country Stars Send Messages to Those Hit by Moore Tornado
Monday's (May 20) devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. touched the hearts of country music's biggest stars, and more than a few were left worrying about friends and family they knew in the area. The state is home to some of the biggest names in country music -- Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Blake Shelton are just a few who have roots there, with one superstar having grown up in Moore.
Survivor of Oklahoma Tornado Finds Her Dog During Live Interview
May 21, 2013 1:00 PM I have discovered that when all seems lost and that the darkness of a tragedy overwhelms you, miracles DO happen and prayers are answered.
Evansville Car Thief Drives Recklessly Right In Front Of Police Station [VIDEO]
May 21, 2013 11:15 AM Here's the perfect example of what not to do if you are a criminal and you don't want to get caught. This juvenile car thief not only back his car up for a block into traffic on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Evansville, but then he grazes another car and then speeds off right past the police station in front of a police cruiser. Wow.
Horrific Oklahoma Tornado Captured in Several Raw Videos
The country continues to pray for and help the people devastated by the massive tornado that touched down in Oklahoma on Monday, killing dozens.
Brett Eldredge Wraps Red Tour Dates, Shares What He Learned From Taylor Swift
For 20 minutes on Thursday night (May 16), Brett Eldredge owned the crowd that was still trickling into Houston's Toyota Center to see perhaps the biggest tour of the year -- Taylor Swift's 2013 Red Tour. It was a short set for the country newcomer, but like he did at each of the other 18 shows he played with the superstar, he maxed out every second, walking onstage armed with ammo given to him by his grandfather and Swift herself.
‘The Baby Bachelor’ Brings Cute to Reality TV Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel
May 21, 2013 4:06 AM I love Jimmy Kimmel! But now, I love him even more. With reality shows everywhere, on every channel, leave it to Jimmy to come up with the best parody EVER!!! Jimmy, along with his brother, nephew and some lovely and hilarious toddler girls have come up with 'The Baby Bachelor'. Trust me, you will enjoy THIS much more that you ever did 'The Bachelor'.
Henderson March For Babies 2013 [PHOTOS]
May 20, 2013 11:30 PM The 2013 March for Babies in Henderson County was held Saturday in Central Park, and hundreds of walkers held off the rain to raise big money for the March of Dimes.
Aftermath of Oklahoma Tornado in Photos
A massive tornado touched down just south of Oklahoma City on Monday, killing dozens.
At least seven of those killed were students at Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore. The twister, which measured 2 miles at one point, has been given a preliminary classification of an EF-4 tornado (winds of 166 to 200 mph), according to weather officials.