More than 44 million people watching TV will see a priceless circus wagon from Baraboo meander its way through the streets of New York today.
Shortly after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins, the vintage 104-year old circus wagon can be seen drawn by eight Percheron Draft Horses right behind the Pillsbury Doughboy float. Steve Freese, Executive Director of Circus World , says in previous appearances, they've been able to set up the wagon on the parade route the night before. Not any more.
Freese says this year's 80th running of the Thanksgiving Day parade makes this appearance — sponsored by The Big Apple Circus — even more special.
Macy's first parade was held in 1924. The only interruption was from 1942-1944 when Macy's donated the balloons to the war effort as their rubber was a rare and much-needed resource.