This Thanksgiving, a giant ogre flies in from Far Far Away and takes over Manhattan as Shrek(R) makes his grand debut flying high in the 81st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R). Taking a break from his beloved swamp, Shrek will literally become larger-than-life as he transforms into a giant helium balloon in the famed holiday spectacular. On Thursday, November 22nd at 9:00am, fans will see the big green ogre flying down the streets of New York City for the first time delighting over 3.5 million spectators and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide. Shrek will not only help mark the start of the holiday season at the Parade, but he will also serve as Macy's Official Holiday Ambassador this year, with an exclusive plush toy available at all Macy's stores nationwide.
The Shrek balloon designed by the magicians of the Macy's Parade Studio measures approximately 50 feet tall, 44 feet long and 35 feet wide. Dressed in his signature woodsman outfit complete with oatmeal sweater, plaid pants and brown vest, Shrek will be filled with over 10,000 cubic feet of helium for his trip down the Great White Way.
As the official Macy's Holiday Ambassador, Shrek will help Macy's usher in the spirit of the season as a cute collectible plush toy, wearing a festive red vest, and uttering three custom phrases when his left foot is pressed. As a special bonus, Shrek will be accompanied for his holiday duties by best pals, Donkey and Puss In Boots, who come along for the ride as highly detailed 3-D plush finger puppets. The Shrek Macy's holiday plush will be available beginning November 1st at all Macy's locations nationwide and on macys.com. Fans can purchase Shrek for $14.95 with any purchase of $35 or more.
Shrek's first ever participation in the Parade will coincide with the DVD release this holiday season of "Shrek the Third," the latest installment from DreamWorks Animation, which enjoyed a record-breaking bow in theaters last month as the largest opening ever for an animated film and continues to delight moviegoers in its current global run.
"Shrek is a new American icon," says Robin Hall, Executive Producer of Macy's Parade. "There's never been a character like Shrek, and I think it's safe to say there's never been a Macy's Parade balloon quite like Shrek, either," he continued. "All of us at Macy's Parade are totally immersed in 'Project Shrek,' and we're thrilled to be working with the team from DreamWorks Animation in the creation of this new Parade classic."
DreamWorks Animation's Head of Worldwide Marketing & Consumer Products Anne Globe stated, "We're honored to be a part of this great holiday tradition, and doubly proud to be represented by our most recognizable personality, Shrek. People have grown to love Shrek around the world, and this parade gives his fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite ogre in a whole new way."
The 81st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off on Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 and is broadcast live nationally on NBC-TV, from 9am to 12pm in all time zones.
