Naquan Cooper of Macy’s at Pheasant Lane Mall presents Paul LaFlamme, Jr., president of Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps, with a $10,000 check to kick off the Spartans’ fundraising efforts to prepare for the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Courtesy photo/Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps

NASHUA – The Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps was recently selected to represent New Hampshire in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This will be the first time the band has marched in a parade. The Spartans will join the iconic holiday march to the call 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 millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Spartans were selected from a pool of more than 100 applicants. The Spartans are one of only nine bands that were selected to march in the 99th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with the iconic floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2025, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

“The Macy’s Parade Committee is excited to invite Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps to bring the sound of the northeast to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Sara Flores, associate producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We were blown away by their creativity and musical talent, and I know our live spectators in New York City and fans nationwide will feel the same way on Thanksgiving morning next year.”

“In 2025, Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps will celebrate its 70th anniversary, and we can’t think of a better way to honor the corps than to be selected for the most beloved parade in the world, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Paul LaFlamme Jr., president of Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps, 2023 DCI Open Class World Champions. “We’re excited to put together a special lineup of current Spartans members and alumni to march in the parade before millions of attendees and viewers.”

As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Spartans with a $10,000 fundraising kick off. The Spartans will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance. Rehearsals and creative fundraising events not only bring the band 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 two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.