By Howard Koplowitz
The University of North Alabama’s marching band has been selected to perform at next year’s iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the school and the department store announced Monday.
The Marching Pride of North Alabama will be making its first appearance representing the state at the parade. The band was selected from more than 100 applicants on Saturday.
“Macy’s is thrilled to invite the Marching Pride of North Alabama to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade associate producer. “We are so excited to bring the sounds of North Alabama to the Big Apple and look forward to sharing their talent with the country in November 2025.”
The parade’s band committee looks for bands with stage presence and musical and marching ability to perform for millions of live spectators and viewers across the country along the two-mile parade route.
The 2025 parade, to be held in November in New York City, will be the 99th edition of the Thanksgiving tradition.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected to represent both the State of Alabama and the University of North Alabama in the Macy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Dr. Lloyd Jones, director of the Marching Pride of North Alabama. “This invitation is a remarkable opportunity for our students, and we are deeply grateful to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade for including us in such a storied American tradition. Performing in this iconic event places UNA on a national stage, and it will be a proud moment for our university, our band, and our community. We are excited to showcase the talent and spirit of UNA during such a monumental celebration.”
Macy’s presented the Marching Pride of North Alabama with $10,000 to go toward the band’s fundraising goal for their trip to New York City.
The band will have 13 months to plan for their parade appearance.
