My fourth graders are diving into a fun and meaningful study of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the imaginative creator behind its famous balloons, Tony Sarg. Students have been exploring how the parade began in the 1920s, why it became an American tradition, and how Sarg’s background as a puppeteer helped him design the first giant “upside-down marionette” balloons that still inspire today’s floats. Through the book Balloons Over Broadway and videos, students are learning how creativity, engineering, and teamwork shaped one of the most beloved holiday events.
Kendra Crockett
Southern Elementary School
Pulaski County Schools
4th Grade
