A Cabbage Patch Kid waves at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
And now for a little flashback to the Cabbage Patch Kids float of the 1984 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And who better to convey the complex emotions involved in this meaningful holiday than little dolls that supposedly sprouted from the ground?
And speaking of sprouts, I remember receiving one of these collectibles and being horrified when I removed her bonnet to discover a little sprout of yarn emerging from her head. Though she wasn’t the bald baby doll I’d hoped for, she quickly became one of my nearest and dearest. Kelda Irene (and Andres Ezra and Ancita Karina)–this post is dedicated to you! In fact, ask children of the ’80s the names of their Cabbage Patch Kids and you’re sure to get responses as enthusiastic and loyal.
And here we return to the ’80s to relive the intrigue of these cloth and vinyl wonders. In what is by today’s standards an unusually large segment for one parade float, we see large versions of the Cabbage Patch whipper snappers defending themselves against terrifying villain Lavender McDade and her sidekicks Cabbage Jack and Beau Weasel. Actor and Comedian Tim Conway headlines the segment.
Note: the previous Christmas, Cabbage Patch frenzy had erupted in toy stores, and a limited supply of these dolls had prompted hysterical behavior among desperate parents. But the only turmoil shown in this clip is the plight of the dolls as they seek refuge from a bitter lavender-clad lady, a hostile jackrabbit and a giant weasel.
Enjoy the video, and more importantly, enjoy your Thanksgiving!
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