NAMM and Sesame Workshop Celebrate Thanksgiving with Colorful, Musical Macy's Parade Float

Each year, more than 44 million people watch from the street and on TV as dozens of themed floats comprise the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. This year, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) will once again partner with Sesame Workshop as the organizations join forces to deliver a powerful message about the joy and benefits of playing music this holiday season.

At 32-feet long, 20-feet wide and 2 stories tall, the Sesame Street float  “1,2,3 -- Sesame Street” will be alive with music on Thanksgiving morning as Sesame residents including Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch and Elmo along with a slew of their friends sing “Music Deep Inside."

“Sesame Street” is in its 41st season of entertaining and educating children in 140 countries. Currently the show is encouraging kids to ask questions about science and get excited about how their world works. And NAMM-funded research has shown how kids who play music are able to learn other subjects like math and science even better.

With help from their friends at NAMM, the cast, along with children on board, will show spectators the importance that music plays in the lives of kids everywhere as they bring the magic of musical instruments to life this Thanksgiving. All of the friends remind us that this is a great time of year for families to enjoy making music together.

“This time of year is a time to be thankful,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM.  “And that’s why NAMM is thankful to once again partner with our good friends at Sesame Street who are helping us send a message this holiday season to the millions of viewers watching at home about the proven and powerful benefits of playing music."

The 84th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade airs on NBC Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. EST (Check local listings). For more information about the benefits of playing music this holiday season and how to find music stores and lesson providers in your area, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.