FLORENCE – While the University of North Alabama football team was making history last Saturday night with its first win over a FCS top 10 team, the school’s marching band, the Marching Pride, made some history of its own. 

During a first-half media timeout, the band announced it was selected to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making its first appearance in the holiday tradition. 

As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Marching Pride of North Alabama with $10,000 to kick off its fundraising. The band will spend the next 13 months planning for their parade appearance. 

“Macy’s is thrilled to invite the Marching Pride of North Alabama to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer. “We are so excited to bring the sounds of North Alabama to the Big Apple and look forward to sharing their talent with the country in November 2025.”

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, and musician and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. UNA’s Marching Band was selected as one of nine bands to march in the 99th edition of the Thanksgiving parade. More than 100 bands applied for the spots. 

“It is an incredible honor to be selected to represent both the State of Alabama and the University of North Alabama in the Macy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Dr. Lloyd Jones, director of the Marching Pride of North Alabama. “This invitation is a remarkable opportunity for our students, and we are deeply grateful to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade for including us in such a storied American tradition.

“Performing in this iconic event places UNA on a national stage, and it will be a proud moment for our university, our band, and our community. We are excited to showcase the talent and spirit of UNA during such a monumental celebration.”