McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade School November 14, 2009

WHO/WHAT: Ever wonder how a 70-foot tall Bullwinkle J. Moose makes his way up State Street? Witness volunteers maneuvering 3,000 cubic feet of helium as they gear up for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade at the annual and very popular Parade School!

Balloon Handlers will learn how to operate a giant inflatable balloon – Bob the Builder – plus, Banner Carriers will find out how to hold banners in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, don’t miss a special appearance by Ronald McDonald®, Honorary Grand Marshal of the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade and high-energy performances by two of the amazing performance groups that will be featured in the parade.

The general public is welcome to come enjoy the colorful balloon preview on the front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry!

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 2009

TIME: 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.:
“Parade Preview” featuring Ronald McDonald and two special performance groups

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.:
Individual parade training breakouts, including balloon training on the front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry

WHERE: Museum of Science and Industry, front lawn
57th Street (west of Lake Shore Drive)

DETAILS: Parade School prepares volunteers for the upcoming 76th McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, marching down State Street on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

This year’s parade is bigger and better than ever, including 22 marching bands, 12 giant inflatable balloons, 13 equestrian units, 33 specialty units, 12 floats, great stage performances, plus local and national celebrities and honored guests.

Inflatable balloons, presented by Case New Holland, will include: Bob the Builder, Bullwinkle J. Moose, Curious George, Hello Kitty, Madeline, Maisy Mouse, Pilgrim Garfield, Strawberry Shortcake, Paddington Bear, Rags, Rocky J. Squirrel, and Underdog.

CNH brands represented in the parade will include Case IH Agriculture, New Holland Agriculture, Case Construction Equipment, New Holland Construction and Kobelco Construction.

For more information about the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, contact the Chicago Festival Association at (312) 235-2217 or log on to www.chicagofestivals.org.

Official Website: http://www.chicagofestivals.org