South Dakota State University's Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band will perform in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and represent the state of South Dakota in New York City for the beloved annual holiday tradition.

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence and musical expertise to captivate the streets of New York City and millions of viewers across the country. The Pride was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine selected bands to march in the 96th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The Pride of the Dakotas will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

“The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band is honored to have been selected to participate in the great American tradition that is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Kevin Kessler, South Dakota State University’s director of athletic bands. “The Pride’s performance in New York will be another accolade in a long history of South Dakota State University bands playing on the world’s biggest stages. Our students are looking forward to sharing their spirit and energy with spectators across the country on Thanksgiving.”

The Parade announcement completes the full circle of top-tier marching band appearances in the United States for South Dakota State. The rich history of the Pride also includes performances in Presidential Inaugural Parades in Washington, D.C. (1981 and 1997) and the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

The Pride is an inclusive organization on campus open to all students. Interested in joining the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band? Click here to learn more.