Today, the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band of Arkansas was selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, 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 “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
Each year, the Macy’s 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 Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns, and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2024, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
“With 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,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. “The Macy’s 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 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
“We are excited for the opportunity to highlight our students and to represent Pearcy, Arkansas in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Jon Shutlz, director of the Lake Hamilton High School Marching Band. “Our 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.”
As part of the announcement, the Macy’s 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, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy’s 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 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s 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 Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.