WLRN's latest production, Journey to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade gives an uplifting and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a part of one of the largest events of the year. Each year, thousands of parade participants take to the streets of Manhattan to trek 2 miles in front of 3 million spectators and 50 million television viewers. Our story begins when the Macy's Parade committee selects Florida's Tarpon Springs Marching Band, one of only ten marching bands selected to perform in the 2013 parade. From practice to performance and everything in between, viewers will watch their journey as they prepare for their biggest event yet. Meet Charles Tatelbaum. A serious Fort Lauderdale attorney by day, but for the last three years he has performed as a clown in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Training to be a clown is part of the process and one day at Clown University in New York is a requirement. Sponsored by the Big Apple Circus, Charles joins 900 other clown participants to learn from the best, right under the big top. Through interviews with fans, participants and Macy's staff, WLRN will give you a rare inside scoop to this magical event. For American's who have made this parade part of their family's Thanksgiving for 86 years, this entertaining documentary can only confirm the hard work, passion and the process to help make this much-loved magical display of pageantry to excite fans of all ages.
