What Is the Oldest Balloon in Macy's Parade
The oldest balloon in Macy's parade is the Felix the Cat balloon, which first flew in 1928 as the first giant character balloon in the Thanksgiving Day tradition. This pioneering balloon set the template for all later oversized character balloons in the parade.
Felix the Cat was designed by Tony Sarg and built by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which has remained a key partner for parade balloon production and inflation logistics to this day.
Key Facts About the Felix the Cat Balloon
The original Felix the Cat balloon stood about 30 feet tall and was made of rubberized fabric, using a simple internal frame and air pressure to hold its shape during the route.
Multiple versions of the Felix balloon have appeared over the decades, with the most recent appearances featuring updated designs while retaining the classic black body, white eyes, and long grin that define the character.
How the Oldest Balloon Compares to Modern Parade Balloons
Modern Macy's parade balloons, including newer additions from brands and entertainment franchises, use advanced materials and computer-aided design, but they still follow the basic framework pioneered by the Felix the Cat balloon in 1928.
Companies like Goodyear and Macy's continue to refine balloon engineering, balancing scale, safety, and flight stability while keeping the tradition of large character balloons rooted in that first Felix flight.