Alphaville Herald : Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in SL

by Lavinia Carver

While I was browsing around the other day, something just caught my eye. According to the advertisement, it was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in Second Life. Now, at first I was skeptical. I thought, "Come on, the Macy's parade in Second Life? I know almost anything is possible in SL, but wouldn't it be more fun to watch it in RL?"

A view of the parade

But I was wrong about that! This parade was fun to watch. Perhaps it didn't have the interesting camera angles or fun commentary of the real one, but it was still fun all the same. See, what the owners did, was set up the parade, and then built a miniature version of New York around it! It was just too much fun! Of course I stayed and watched it twice! (while I folded napkins and placed them on the table. :D )

The turkey balloon! *gobble gobble*

Now, not many people were playing SL on Thanksgiving - the missing were people in the U.S. celebrating in RL, I hope! - so I can safely tell you that only a handful of people were there. The owner was standing right next to me in the BEST place to watch - the VIP box. I can't really say she was much of the conversationalist, but she looked like she could be a good person to talk to - just not to me, I guess. Back to the parade. though! There were tons of floats, balloons, and even playing marching bands! some of my favorite characters - and I hope other people's too! - were there, including Spongebob, Charlie Brown, and the ever present (forgive the pun) Santa.

Santa's comin' to town!

They even had the Monopoly man, which looked very much like a real balloon to me.

Sadly, I couldn't find the famous Snoopy balloon.

But the parade was not the only thing to do. There was ice skating, free gifts, and an Empire State building you could climb and for a great view of New York!

The famous Empire State Building - with guest

All in all, I would wholeheartedly suggest that everyone should at least go and check it out! There are tons of things to do! It's open until Christmas, so hurry on down. Here's your limo:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Antiqua%20Paradise/61/210/698