The National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys—one fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States in 2007—were eaten at Thanksgiving.

The cranberry is one of only three fruits—the others are the blueberry and the Concord grape—that are entirely native to North American soil, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association.

Originally known as Macy’s Christmas Parade—to signify the launch of the Christmas shopping season—the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York City in 1924. It was launched by Macy’s employees and featured animals from the Central Park Zoo. Today, some 3 million people attend the annual parade and another 44 million watch it on television. It takes up to 300,000 cubic feet of helium to launch the 13 giant balloons used in the parade…much of that will be recovered and recycled for resale.

From “Thanksgiving Fun Facts.” The History of Thanksgiving. 2008. A&E Television Network. 27 November 2008 <http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving>.