Brevard County will have a presence in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Twelve cheerleaders from Astronaut High will join about 600 cheerleaders from around the country in the iconic New York City parade. The group of juniors and seniors spent months practicing the routine and fundraising to help offset the cost of the more than $48,000 trip.
“The trip is more than just an opportunity to perform, it was is unforgettable cultural and personal experience for the team,” said Thomas Lamb, AHS Cheer Booster Club President. “From exploring the sights of New York City, like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, the cheerleaders embrace every moment.”
How to watch Astronaut High cheerleaders in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade will air live on NBC beginning at 8:30 a.m.
It also will be livestreamed on Peacock and Fubo. An encore on NBC will follow at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
Lamb was not sure where in the parade route Astronaut High will be. They will be wearing white uniforms with a gold star and waving gold pom poms.
“For the small community of Titusville, seeing their hometown students take part in such an iconic event is a point of immense pride,” Lamb said. “The Astronaut High School cheerleaders demonstrate not only their athletic talent, but also the dedication and community spirit that make their program so special.”
The team, along with coaches Bailey Ferguson and Aspen Delano, arrived in New York City earlier this week. Aside from spending time practicing with the other cheerleaders, the Astronaut High girls were able to squeeze in some sightseeing, visiting the Met, Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial and seeing a Broadway show as well as the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
Senior Madeline Saunders said seeing the iconic sights has been an amazing experience, and performing in the parade is a highlight.
“I’m so happy we got the opportunity to be part of this parade that is so many people’s holiday traditions,” Saunders said. “I personally watch the parade every year on Thanksgiving morning so it is so surreal to be part of that experience for so many other people.”
What will be included in the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker of NBC’s “Today” show will host the telecast once again.
The parade will include 17 character balloons and 15 novelty balloons. There are six new balloons this year:
- Minnie Mouse
- Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf
- Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse
- Goku from Dragon Ball
- Marshall from PAW Patrol
- Spider-Man
There are more than two dozen celebrity performances. They include Jennifer Hudson, the Temptations and Idina Menzel.
Spitzer can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
