LW Marching Band To Perform At 2020 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

NEW LENOX, IL — The Lincoln-Way Marching Band will represent the state of Illinois in the 2020 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The district said this will mark the first parade appearance by the band. Lincoln-Way Marching Band will join the parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

The district said 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 television viewers.

The Lincoln-Way Marching Band was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine bands to march in the 94th edition of the annual holiday spectacle.

“As the reigning Illinois Marching Band Grand Champions, Lincoln-Way is clearly a band of the
highest caliber,” Wesley Whatley, the parade's creative producer, said in a news release. “It is their success on the national stage, paired with their imaginative show programs, high level of difficulty and incredible musicianship that landed Lincoln-Way High School Marching Band a coveted spot to join us in New York. We look forward to welcoming Lincoln-Way to the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”

“There are very few accomplishments that hold the status of the Macy’s Parade in the marching band community. We are truly honored, overwhelmed and humbled by being selected to perform in this magnificent national Thanksgiving Day tradition,” Bert Johnson, director of bands for Lincoln-Way, said in a release. “Our students past and present have worked hard to make this ensemble something our community, families, and the school district are proud of and we are incredibly grateful to be designated with this honor."

Lincoln-Way will now spend the next 18 months planning for their parade appearance, the district said.