UNA’s Marching Pride Shines in Their First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance

Selected from more than 100 applicants for the parade’s 99th edition, the UNA Marching Pride represented Alabama with the kind of precision and heart that only a group forged by countless rehearsals and a deep love for their craft can deliver.
Dressed in a dazzling mix of purple, white, and glittering accents, the band transformed the Manhattan streets into their own shimmering runway. After arriving earlier in the week for rehearsals and a little big-city exploring, the musicians stepped into the national spotlight during Thursday morning’s broadcast, filling the brisk New York air with a lineup of energetic hits.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt praised the group’s standout performance, noting how proudly they showcased Alabama and honored the musical legacy of the Shoals. “The UNA Marching Pride did a fantastic job representing Alabama and the Fourth District in this year’s Macy’s Parade, playing hit songs recorded in the Shoals!” he wrote in a Facebook post that captured the excitement felt back home.
For UNA’s musicians, the parade was more than a performance. It was a milestone an unforgettable chance to carve their sound into one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions. And for viewers across the country, it was a reminder that sometimes the brightest moments come wrapped in brass, percussion, and the unified heartbeat of a marching band determined to make their mark.