FLORENCE, Ala. — The University of North Alabama Marching Band, called the Marching Pride of North Alabama, has been chosen to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This will be their first time in the parade, representing Alabama.
“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, Associate Producer of the parade. “We are excited to bring the sounds of North Alabama to New York City and share their talent with the country in November 2025.”
The band will join the celebration with the phrase “Let’s Have a Parade™,” which has marked the start of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that can entertain the millions of people who watch live and on TV. The UNA Marching Band was selected from over 100 applicants as one of just nine bands for this year's parade.
The band will perform alongside beloved parade elements like floats, giant balloons, clowns, and star performers on Thanksgiving Day 2025, helping create a memorable experience for everyone.
“It is an incredible honor 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. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students, and we are very grateful to Macy’s for including us in this American tradition. Performing in this event will be a proud moment for our university, our band, and our community. We can’t wait to showcase the talent of UNA during this big celebration.”
To kick off their preparations, the Macy’s team has given the Marching Pride a $10,000 fundraising boost. Over the next 13 months, the band will rehearse and hold fundraising events to get ready for the parade, bringing the school and community together.
For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has celebrated its loyal fans. The parade stretches over two miles in New York City and is filled with colorful floats, music, and smiles.
