Christine Nealon, Christine.Oliver.Nealon@macys.com  Ryan Gannon, Ryan.Gannon@macys.com

NEW YORK, NY & AVON, IN – April 24, 2023 – Today, the Avon Marching Black & Gold was selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of Indiana. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Avon Marching Black & Gold will join the Parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Marching Black & Gold were selected from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 98th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns, and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day, 2024, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

“The Avon Marching Black and Gold consistently sets a national standard of excellence, constantly raising the bar and winning awards and honors across all marching arts as one of the premier band programs in America,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. “On behalf of the Macy’s Band Selection Committee, I am proud to welcome the talented students of Avon High School to showcase their talent on a national stage at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
"Our students are honored to have the opportunity to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Kevin Welborn, director of the Avon Marching Black & Gold. “This parade gives band students the opportunity to perform in New York City and have that performance shown to millions of people across the country. This experience will be one that Avon High School’s band students will treasure for the rest of their lives.”

As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Avon Marching Black & Gold with a $10,000 fundraising kick off. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events. The Avon Marching Black & Gold will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance. Rehearsals and creative fundraising events not only bring the school and the community closer but also prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.

For nearly 100 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy’s colleagues and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day.  Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.

About the Avon Marching Black & Gold:Committed to excellence in all they do, Avon Marching Black & Gold provides life-changing and world-class experiences for all students at Avon High School in Avon, Indiana. Avon Bands have amassed well over 50 Indiana State Championships to go along with a growing number of Bands of America and WGI World Championships. Avon Marching Black & Gold performs and competes at the highest level available in Indiana and across the United States. The band program gives all students a safe place to express their music and be their best through participation multiple ensembles. Visit ahs.avon-schools.org/performing-arts to learn more.