Today, the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas was selected to perform in the 2024 Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Paradeยฎ, representing the state of Arkansas. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas will join the Parade to the call of โLetโs Have a Parade,โ the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
Each year, the Macyโs Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, and musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 98th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macyโs staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns, and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2024, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
โWith bold, ambitious programming and performances that pull inspiration from all areas of the marching arts, the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas ranks as one of the most creative, well-rounded band programs in the country,โ said Wesley Whatley, Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. โThe Macyโs Band Selection Committee is proud to welcome the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas to perform along the streets of New York City in the 2024 Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade!โ
โWe are excited for the opportunity to highlight our students and to represent Pearcy, Arkansas in the 2024 Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade,โ said Jon Shutlz, director of the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Band. โOur students have spent years perfecting their art and are honored to have been hand-selected to showcase their talents as part of this beloved American tradition.โ
As part of the announcement, the Macyโs team presented the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Band with a $10,000 fundraising kick-off check. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events.
The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance. Rehearsals and creative fundraising events not only bring the school and the community closer but also prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.
For nearly 100 years, Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macyโs values most โ- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macyโs colleagues and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music, and smiles.
About the Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade:
The Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For nearly 100 years, the Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macyโs signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macyโs Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.