The Million Dollar Band was announced by Macy’s as a participant in the 2026 Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 100th anniversary of the parade.
The drums will echo down Manhattan’s 6th Avenue this Thanksgiving as the Marching Pride of North Alabama makes its debut in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a dream come true for the Florence, Ala., ensemble.
Selected from hundreds of applicants, the Marching Pride will represent Alabama as one of nine bands in this year’s parade.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected to represent both the state of Alabama and the University of North Alabama in the Macy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Dr. Lloyd Jones, director of the Marching Pride of North Alabama.
The band’s big news came 13 months in advance at Braly Stadium following UNA’s victory over Abilene Christian University. As fans cheered from the stands, Macy’s commemorated the event with a 2025 Macy’s Parade drumhead and a $10,000 fundraising kick-start.
When the Marching Pride steps onto the parade route, they’ll carry a piece of North Alabama’s musical legacy with them. Along the streets of New York, the band will perform “St. Louis Blues,” a tribute to Florence native and “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy.
For their nationally televised NBC performance, the group will bring a soulful melody of “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Mustang Sally,” “Old Time Rock and Roll” and “Brown Sugar.”
The University of North Alabama Marching Pride: A legacy 75 years in the making
Founded in 1949, the University of North Alabama’s Marching Pride began as a small 27-member band and has grown into one of the South’s most spirited collegiate ensembles.
Under the direction of Dr. Lloyd Jones, who joined the program in 199, the band performs at every Lion football game. It has showcased its talent at Alabama inaugurations, Bands of America exhibitions in Atlanta and Indianapolis and numerous national events.
With its Majorettes, Lionettes and Color Guard adding visual flair, the Marching Pride continues a proud UNA tradition of excellence both on and off the field.
Parade traditions and must-see balloons
From beloved classics to fresh faces floating high above Manhattan, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade blends decades-old traditions with new crowd-pleasers. This year’s lineup brings back iconic characters like Snoopy alongside Santa’s grand finale.
Joining those favorites are several standout balloons worth watching for. Fan-favorite giants like Pikachu, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Kermit the Frog return, while newly debuted characters like PAC-MAN and Buzz Lightyear, promise to be some of the most photographed moments of the morning.
How to watch the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Fans across the country can catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live as they march down Manhattan on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2027 starting at 8 a.m. CST. The parade will air nationally on NBC with coverage continuing through the late morning.
The parade is also available to stream via NBC’s official website and app, allowing fans from Florence and throughout Alabama to watch the Pride’s performance in real time.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.
