NEW YORK CITY A colorful family of the “quacking” variety gets set for a Thanksgiving trip they’ll never forget, as Homewood Suites’ mascot prepares to debut in the float line-up of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Inspired by the duck emblem that welcomes families to more than 300 Homewood Suites properties throughout North America, the Hilton Worldwide brand’s “On The Roll Again” float will travel down the streets of Manhattan on Thursday, November 25, in front of more than 3.5 million spectators and 50 million television viewers.
“We are thrilled to be involved in such a beloved national tradition and for the opportunity to showcase our brand on an international stage,” says Bill Duncan, global head of the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand. “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a uniquely creative, yet logical way for us to align with a partner that shares the same dedication to the family market.”
Based on the wonder of wooden pull toys, Macy’s has arranged the colorful family of ducks in a parade. The father duck, Lewis, wearing his most dapper hat and carrying a backpack, takes the lead on this family getaway. Letting his feet do the “cranking,” Lewis will pull the mother, Lois and the kids down the line of march. As Lois gets her camera ready to capture the memories, the kids flap their wings with glee sitting on a wagon with their luggage piled high. The On the Roll Again float features three distinct units linked together and at over 46 ft. long, this adorable family of ducks has one of the longest floats in the parade.
“We are delighted to welcome Homewood Suites to the Macy’s Parade family. They certainly have all of their ducks in a row with this marvelous depiction of the classic pull toy newly imagined by the masters at Macy’s Parade Studio,” says Amy Kule, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Macy’s and Homewood Suites share a commitment to the whole family and this float promises to be a spectacular new addition to this year’s parade lineup.”
In celebration of its parade debut, Homewood Suites is giving guests the chance to win an opportunity to see the parade live. Now through October 17, guests booking online at HomewoodSuites.com/Macys will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for four to New York City to see the Macy’s Parade. The trip includes hotel accommodations, a US$3,500 gift card, and VIP grandstand seating on Thanksgiving Day.
“As a leading, award-winning extended-stay brand, it’s exciting for Homewood Suites to partner with Macy’s, the leader in family retail,” says Carla Raynor, vice president of marketing for Homewood Suites by Hilton. “With millions of families watching the event on Thanksgiving morning, it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our brand with the absolute best of the best.”
Homewood Suites is the first single hotel brand to publish its own children’s book series, which is based on the brand’s mascot, Lewis the Duck. Three books are currently available, including “Lewis the Duck and His Long Trip,” “Lewis Goes to Canada” and “Lewis Goes to Mexico.” An interactive game, activity sheets, “quacky card” creator and luggage tag maker are available on www.lewistheduck.com.
The 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is broadcast nationally on NBC from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all U.S. time zones.