News Flash

85th anniversary of Macy's Parade Elf

10 Aug '11

4 min read

Macy's magical elves are appearing by the thousands in cities across the country in celebration of the upcoming 85th anniversary of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, due to a whimsical twist of fate, in their jubilation and rush to spread the word on this wondrous milestone of America's Parade, the elves left Santa's workshop without a speck of color. Once they realized their error, the elves took refuge at various locations across the country and now wait for some holiday help to arrive from parade fans in all 50 states, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. To rectify this magical mishap, Macy'sGreat American Elf Adventure kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

"Macy's Great American Elf Adventure is a fantastic way to kick-off our 85th anniversary celebrations," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "Since 1947, the iconic Macy's elf balloons have been fan favorites and for generations have served as an emblem of the Macy's parade. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help create a key element of America's favorite parade is one that aspiring artists should not miss. We can't wait to see all the inspired creations and look forward to the winning design joining the rest of the Macy's elf family in the parade this year."

GET IT
Over 10,000 of Macy's parade's ever-rambunctious elves have magically taken residence at Macy's stores nationwide and at other locations in select cities. Each day from Aug. 9 - Aug. 24, Macy's will post a clue and password that will help reveal the location of elves at 669 Macy's stores across the country or at other special locales. For the clever adventurer, these clues will point to various in-store departments where elves have found shelter.

In addition to the mass elf invasion at stores nationwide, 10 cities will get in on the elfin' fun when they host Macy's Elf-Apolooza, a fun-filled event for the whole family. A few of the more high-spirited gnomes decided that a road trip across the country to visit fans would be a good way to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving Day milestone. Starting on Aug. 9 in New York City and Jackson, MS, the elves and some helpers will hit the road and visit Los Angeles (Aug. 11); Omaha, NE (Aug. 12); Detroit, MI (Aug. 13); Little Rock, AR (Aug. 14); Greenville, SC (Aug. 17); Des Moines, IA (Aug. 18); El Paso, TX (Aug. 19), and Anchorage, AK (Aug. 20). At Macy's Elf-Apolooza, elves will be distributed to fans from a custom-designed mobile unit, along with Macy's parade items and other giveaways.

DESIGN IT
After the hunt is over, and a budding Macy's parade artist has one of the coveted elves, it's time for the magic to begin. With splashes of color, fans are asked to let their imagination take flight and design what could be the newest member of the parade elf family that will join C.J., Kit and Charlie Elf in the holiday spectacular. Once the masterpiece is complete, the artist should submit a detailedfront and back photo of their creation. To enter the design, participants will need to "Like" Macy's on Facebook and then proceed to download the "Elf" application. Entries must include the identification serial number found on the packaging containing the elf (all real Macy's elves will have one) and upload their photo/complete application by Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 11:59:59 PM ET.

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