Louisiana's Has A Float In The Macy's 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parad

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Here is another reason to watch the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year! Louisiana will have an enormous alligator float in the iconic 97th annual Thanksgiving procession. Watch out, Big Apple, the "Celebration Gator" will take a bite! This will be the third year that the colossal float, representing The Bayou State, will be part of the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade.

(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Celebration Gator Float - Youtube

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"Celebration Gator" is still the longest float to ride in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and that's all that matters! The Louisiana float represents the state well, with a replica of the NOLA/French Quarter streetscape on top and cannons that shoot confetti into the crowd instead of Mardi Gras beads (although that would have been cool). This float has a purpose. It is all about Louisiana and generating tourism dollars. Speaking of which, riding in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade isn't free.

Believe it or not, Louisiana paid $1.375 million to be in the Thanksgiving Day Parade for three years! The 2021 Macy's Parade was when the float debuted in 2022. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser oversees Louisiana's tourism and, for the second year in a row, is delighted that Louisiana has the opportunity to show off its assets and promote tourism in front of an audience of more than 25 million viewers. As it rolls down the streets of the Big Apple, the "Celebration Gator" float will once again carry Louisiana royalty on its back.

“We are excited to have Amanda and Alex riding the Louisiana float this year and performing for us,” Nungesser said. “Once again, it is an amazing opportunity to share with the world our music and how Louisianans can Feed Your Soul with our celebratory spirit.”

Proudly representing the sounds of the Bayou State is Louisiana's own Cajun fiddler, Amanda Shaw, and country star, Alex Smith. The famous New Orleans musician, accompanied by his Orleans Avenue brass band, will be tooting his horn in this year's parade. The NOLA entertainer will be joined by Macy’s employees and their children, wearing gator costumes on board the massive float.

Join the celebration and tune in to watch the 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Which the retail giant promises will be "bigger and better" year after year. Louisiana's "Celebration Gator" float will roll down 97th Street in the 5 1/2 mile Thanksgiving Parade to Central Park West.

The parade will air live on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to Noon on CBS and NBC TV networks and stream on several apps like Hulu, Peacock, and more. In addition to Louisiana's 60-foot-long alligator-themed float, the legendary parade features three new giant balloons - Beagle Scout Snoopy and Blue Cat & Chugs.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

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Gallery Credit: Katherine Gallagher