Macy*s Parade Studio

So I lived in Hoboken for over three years and never realized that the heart of the Macy*s Parade is maintained and nurtured in Hoboken.

From the Hudson Reporter:

For 364 days of the year, the nondescript warehouse near the city’s northern border blends effortlessly into its industrial surroundings. But for one day in mid-November, the studio abandons the shroud of secrecy that surrounds it. It invites the press and hundreds of children from the tri-state area to visit and explore.

And it all happens in the former Tootsie Roll factory. From the Weekly Reader:

Macy’s refers to its balloon experts as “balloonatics.” Once parade organizers decide on a character to put on display, the balloonatics sketch the balloon, create scale models from clay, and then construct the balloon from hundreds of sheets of polyurethane-coated nylon. The pieces of fabric are carefully sewn together to create chambers that help prevent leakage. Wires are attached to strategic areas so that balloon handlers can control the balloon. Earlier this month, the parade crew conducted test flights to make sure all the balloons—old and new—are fit to fly on Thanksgiving morning.

Now I just have to find a way for a tour of the Studio… I wonder if the son of a store employee of the year would have connections… (hint hint)

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