Jennie-O returns to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for second year

111321.F.WCT.JennieOFloat.001.JPG — This photo, provided by Jennie-O Turkey Store, shows a view of the completed Jennie-O float as Macy's unveils the new fleet of floats joining the 94th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 18, 2020, in New York City. Contributed / Eugene Gologursky, Getty Images

By Kit Grode

November 24, 2021 at 9:40 AM

WILLMAR, Minn. 鈥� Look for the Jennie-O Turkey Store float in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, airing 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 25, on NBC. This is the second year the Willmar-based turkey producer will be represented in the annual parade.

Jennie-O's parade entry is a partnership with entertainer Tai Verdes, who will perform his hit single "A-OK" from aboard the float.

The parade, which began in 1924 and has been an annual New York City tradition since then, features oversized character balloons, floats and live performances. Jennie-O leapt at the opportunity to be in the parade, and a gold and green turkey was built in the Macy's Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey, in time for its November 2020 debut.

And, if people aren't stuffed too full of turkey and all the good food that accompanies it, don't forget about the Jennie-O dance challenge for the entire family: The Jennie-O Turkey Dance, created in partnership with Phil Wright and World of Dance, which can be found online at .

For more information about the Macy's annual parade, visit . For more information about Jennie-O, visit .

By Kit Grode

Kit Grode started working at the West Central Tribune as the features and sections editor in July 2021. In August 2023, she moved into the role of digital content editor for nine Forum Communications properties in Minnesota. You may reach Kit at kgrode@wctrib.com, or by calling 320-214-4336.