FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Members of the Northern Arizona University marching band won't have to worry about making plans for Thanksgiving in 2025.
That's because they will be in New York City performing in the 99th edition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The Lumberjack Marching Band was selected to represent Arizona in the 2025 parade on Saturday. The band was surprised with the announcement during halftime of NAU's first football game of the season.
The band was selected from more than 100 applicants and will be one of 10 marching bands in the parade, according to a press release from Macy's.
"Macy’s Parade Band Committee is thrilled to have the Lumberjack Marching Band in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade," Sara Flores, the associate producer of the parade said in the press release. "This band brings their Arizona flair to every performance, and we have no doubt their showing in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will amaze audiences across the country and truly represent the immense talent coming from the state of Arizona."
NAU marching band director Brent Levine called the selection "a dream come true."
"We are thrilled to have been selected to represent the state of Arizona and Northern Arizona University in one of the most prestigious events in the world and we are excited to honor the pride and tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade," Levine said.
During the surprise announcement on Saturday, the marching band was presented with a check for $10,000 to help kick off their fundraising efforts.
This will be the first time ever that NAU has sent their marching band to the parade.
You will be able to watch the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2025, right here on 12News!
By the way, NAU won the football game, 66-6 over Lincoln.
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