Below, you will find an image gallery for SEGA's radical and speedy video game mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Classic Sonic (1993-1997)[]
BalloonFest 1993[]
The original Sonic balloon during it's test flight. This footage would later be used during the 1993 NBC telecast.
1993[]
(Screenshot: CBS)
(Photo: Eddie Schauder)
(Photo: Eddie Schauder)
(Photo: Eddie Schauder)
(Photo: Paul Gerace)
(Screenshot: Jennifer Gee)
(Photo: Micheal Scott)
(Photo: Micheal Scott)
(Photo: Micheal Scott)
(Photo: Micheal Scott)
1994[]
(Photo: Sandy Boone Damhof)
(Screenshot Courtesy of BJ Bruni)
(Screenshot: Randall Vaughn)
Sonic the Hedgehog speeds his way into Herald Square on the 1994 NBC telecast and again in 1995 and 1997 as stock footage.
1995[]
1996[]
(Photo: NBC)
(Photo: NBC)
(Photo: NBC)
(Photo: NBC)
Video: Kevin Cusick
(Photo: NBC)
Sonic during his appearance in the 1996 NBC telecast. (Screenshot: NBC)
(Screenshot: Nobuo_New York)
1997[]
The balloon is being checked one last time before takeoff
Sonic is removed from the parade (The blue balloon) (Video: CBS)
Look closely in the distance and you'll see Sonic deflating.
Other[]
The original sketch of the balloon, drawn by Manfred Bass.
The Model of Sonic.
Sonic on the promotional art for Macy's Balloon-A-Thon along with other balloon characters.
Modern Sonic (2011-2013, 2021)[]
Development and Creation[]
The 2nd version of the Sonic balloon with sketch art and model.
The 2nd Sonic Model at Balloonfest 2011
Balloonfest 2011[]
2011 Macy's Parade[]
Sonic runs (or rather, flies) down Broadway in the 2011 Parade.
Sonic the Hedgehog balloon in the 2011 Parade on the NBC Telecast
2012 Macy's Parade[]
Sonic alongside the other 81st Street balloons before the 2012 parade
Look at The Back
Sonic the Hedgehog balloon in the 2012 Parade on the NBC Telecast
2013 Macy's Parade[]
Sonic the Hedgehog balloon at the start of the 2013 Parade
Sonic the Hedgehog balloon waiting for The Spirit Of America Dancers to go by at the start of the 2013 Parade
Sonic is seen here in the 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Sonic the Hedgehog balloon in his final flight of his original run down the Parade Route in the 2013 Parade on the NBC Telecast
2021 Macy's Parade[]
Sonic making his grand return in the 2021 NBC telecast.
Other[]
The Inflation Instructions of the second Sonic balloon
Sonic begins his test flight in 2011 at DakotaDome.