On May 21, 2024, the Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band was selected to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ® , representing the state of South Carolina. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. Catawba Ridge will join the iconic holiday march to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade TM ,” 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. Catawba Ridge was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine selected bands to march in the 99th 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 2025, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
“The Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band will bring strong, original musicality to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer. “Macy’s Parade Band Committee was immediately taken with their arrangements and approach to popular music, and no doubt spectators in New York City and fans nationwide will be as well.”
“The Catawba Ridge Marching Band is proud to represent the town of Fort Mill in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and we are excited to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established by the other two schools in the Fort Mill School District,” David Shives, Band Director, Catawba High School said. “This once-in-a lifetime performance will allow our band and our community the opportunity to shine in the nation’s brightest spotlight!”
As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Catawba Ridge Marching Band with a $10,000 fundraising kick off. Catawba Ridge 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.
