Today, The Pride of West Virginia, The Mountaineer Marching Band was selected to perform in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, representing the state of West Virginia and West Virginia University. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band.

The Pride of West Virginia will join the Parade to the tune 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 more than 3.5 million live spectators and more than 50 million viewers. The Pride of West Virginia was selected from 175 applicants, as one of 10 bands to march in the 2016 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 2016, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is proud to share with our audience what the West Virginia University community has known for decades: The Mountaineer Marching Band is one of the most entertaining bands in the country and they know how to put on a high-energy, thrilling show! We are excited to welcome “The Pride of West Virginia” to New York City as they join our ranks for the first time in the school’s history!” said Wesley Whatley, creative director, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Jay Drury, marching band director at WVU said: “The West Virginia University Marching Band family is absolutely thrilled to have been invited to participate in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! We are honored and humbled to have been selected to be a part of such a prestigious event. “The Pride of West Virginia” looks forward to representing the great state of West Virginia and our Alma Mater on the streets of the greatest city on the world. This is truly a great honor for our band program and our university, and we would like to say “thank you” to the good folks at Macy’s for giving us this wonderful opportunity!”

The Pride of West Virginia will spend the next 18 months planning for its Parade appearance.

Rehearsals and creative fundraising events not only bring the school and the community closer, but prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.

For more than eight decades, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most – its loyal fans. More than 5,000 Macy’s employees 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. Marching down a more than two-mile long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

About Macy’s *
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks� and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade�, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade*
With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 85 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy’s employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America’s best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy’s signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy’s Parade please visit www.macys.com/parade or call the Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

Delta Air Lines, New York’s most global airline is proud to be the official airline of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.