For its sixth consecutive year, the Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular float will entertain Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade attendees in New York City in addition to millions of television and online viewers across the USA and beyond on the morning of Thursday, November 27.
Shaggy (born Orville Richard Burrell and raised in Kingston, Jamaica), a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and US Marines veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm, is set to perform a mashup of his most iconic songs on the Jennie-O float this Thanksgiving.
“I’m excited to bring some island vibes to the event,” said Shaggy. “It’s my first time taking part, and I’m looking forward to kicking off the holiday season with great music and good energy for all the fans out there and tuning in from home.”
Spanning an impressive 36 feet in length, 25 feet wide and standing 24 feet tall, The Big Turkey Spectacular sponsored by Willmar, Minnesota-headquartered frozen turkey specialist Jennie-O, a unit of Hormel Foods, made its dazzling debut in 2020. Adorned in the brand’s signature gold and green, the float sparkles with more than 200 pounds of glitter, capturing the festive spirit in every detail.
The turkey’s tail feathers span 25 feet across and rise two stories high, crafted from enough steel tubing to cover the length of a regulation football field. These towering feathers aren’t just for show — they’re engineered to release bursts of confetti during the parade.
Crowning the spectacle is the motion-activated top hat that reveals a delightful surprise: baby turkeys, known as poults, pop out to greet the crowd.
“We’re thrilled to again celebrate in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Kim Anderson, senior brand manager for the Jennie-O brand. “This season is always a special one for us, and teaming up with legendary artist Shaggy will bring an exciting new twist to our beloved float. The Big Turkey Spectacular will be unforgettable yet again this year.”
This holiday season, the brand is also highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures that define the American Thanksgiving table through its Jennie-O Thanksgiving Roots and Recipes campaign, which spotlights how family heritage influences the holiday’s celebrations through food and shared traditions.
