Adding more New York political balloons to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Whether watching from the spectator-lined streets of Manhattan or from home in their pajamas, New Yorkers love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is celebrating its 98th year. And don’t get us wrong – the classics are classics for a reason. But if it were up to us, we’d add a few more New York politics-themed balloons to this year’s procession. So, here are some of our ideas, and who we think might sponsor them.

Grimace

Sponsor: Queens Future LLC

Grimace has had the honor of riding a float in the Thanksgiving parade in the past, but his popularity reached new heights this year as his first pitch at Citi Field kicked off a seven-game win streak, so why not pay tribute with a new balloon? Mets owner Steve Cohen could sell the Big Apple on his casino pitch by having Queens Future LLC – the lobbying arm behind the effort – sponsor a balloon of the beloved purple blob.

K5 Robot

Sponsor: NYPD

The K5 robot may no longer be patrolling the Times Square subway station, but with a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it can hit the streets once again. Hopefully, a balloon costs less than the $12,500 contract the city spent on the actual robot.

DJI drone

Sponsor: New York City Mayor Eric Adams

Arguably no one is a bigger fan of drones than New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has deployed them in light of lifeguard shortages and in the fight to stop subway surfing, among other efforts. A drone balloon has a twist to it: Paradegoers may not know whether the balloon functions as an actual drone, or is merely for show.

Straw donor

Sponsor: The New World Mall

It’s a giant hand holding cash and straws? Oh, it’s a straw donor! People watching this thing float down Sixth Avenue might be just as confused as workers at The New World Mall when they found out they were donors to Mayor Eric Adams.

The Power Broker

Sponsor: Vintage Books

It’s not exactly the infrastructural feat Robert Moses had in mind for Gotham, but at more than 1,300 pages, getting a copy of Robert Caro’s legendary book to soar above Manhattan would be a triumph of engineering in itself. Plus, it would be a great marketing opportunity for Vintage as the book celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Congestion pricing

Sponsor: Gov. Kathy Hochul

There are so many things to love about New York City – its vibrant arts scene, world-class restaurants and the unparalleled opportunities that exist here. But for some people, it’s about the right to drive a big honkin’ car down every street, alley and avenue – and not have to pay for it.