A Decade of Thanksgivings in the Big Apple

It’s safe to say Thanksgiving is Aaron Lucier’s favorite holiday. It’s not because of the turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. The ECU Director of Housing Operations says the real reason is Spiderman, Kermit the Frog and Shrek.

Spiderman Float at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

They are among the dozens of gigantic floats soaring through the streets of New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Aaron has had a front row seat for the last ten years.

“It’s the energy,” said Lucier. “Some say you get a better view by watching on TV, and it’s generally warmer, but there is nothing like seeing it live. The crowd and the kids’ reactions to the balloons are wonderful. You always hear ‘Mom- look it is Mickey!’ or ‘Look! Look! It’s Sponge Bob!’ I love it.”
For Lucier, growing up in New Jersey and going to New York or Philadelphia was always part of the holiday plans. So when he arrived at East Carolina University and there was annual bus trip to New York, he jumped at the opportunity. Now it is an annual tradition.
“My family does not even ask where we are going for the holiday anymore,” Lucier joked.

Aaron Lucier at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

He added that each trip involves much more than the holiday parade, such as visiting Times Square, attending Broadway shows and of course, seeing Rockefeller Center decked out for Christmas. His trips have also included watching NBC’s TODAY show from start to finish, attending an outdoor Eurythmics concert and having dinner with Chef Robert Irvine from the TV “Dinner Impossible” at Bobby Flay’s restaurant. (By the way, Bobby called to check in with the party during dinner).
So will this annual holiday tradition continue?

“Absolutely!” said Lucier “I would encourage folks to consider breaking away from the Thanksgiving table one year to travel together. And New York City, Times Square and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great example of how to make that holiday very special.”

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