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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2019)
2 l November 24 - 30, 2019 Northeast Oregon TV Weekly ‘Today’s’ Al Roker is back on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade beat BY JAY BOBBIN “Today’s” Al Roker helps to cover The 93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday on NBC. 541-786-8984 There can be no doubt that Al Roker loves a parade. The weekday “Today” personality is a staple of two such events during the holidays: He’ll again help NBC cover the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, but first comes NBC’s telecast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking its 93rd annual edition of filling Manhattan with season-starting joy – shared by many households across the country – on Thursday, Nov. 28. “Every year, it’s different in a sense,” the ever-genial Roker reflects, “whether it’s the weather or different balloons or different floats. It’s still one of those things where you come to it and you’re amazed that you’re a part of people’s holiday and people’s tradition. It’s kind of mind-boggling. I grew up with this, and it never even entered my imagination that someday, I would be part of it. “Over the last several years, more often than not, the weather has been fairly warm for it,” notes Roker. “I’ve probably just done it in a sport coat, a muffler, gloves and a hat. Last year, I bundled up only because I was on a motorcycle. Each year, it’s like, ‘How can we kill Al on Thanksgiving Day?’ It would make it a little more memorable.” As usual, Roker will start his Macy’s Parade duties uptown, then follow the lively and colorful procession that also includes celebrities and marching bands. He’ll eventually join his “Today” colleagues Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb at their perch in front of Macy’s flagship store in New York’s Herald Square, where – before he gets there – the casts of several Broadway shows will perform numbers from their respective productions. It’s a bit ironic that Roker has to miss those, since he’s been back on Broadway himself for much of November, reprising his part as diner owner Joe in the musical “Waitress.” Still, he says, “I’ve talked with some of the folks who perform at the parade, and depending on the weather, it can be a little bit of hardship ... but they don’t mind. They love it. They’re probably performing that scene from their show in front of the biggest audience they’ll ever have. The number of people watching the parade probably rivals, if not beats, the Super Bowl.” Adding that he’s progressing well after recent hip-replacement surgery, Roker also will have his regular role on NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” tree-lighting special the following week, but Thanksgiving is the immediate holiday in his (and countless others’) sights. “It really isn’t work,” he maintains of covering the Macy’s Parade with his “Today” cronies. “You’re just hanging out with a couple of pals, then Santa hits the square and it’s Christmas!” Home & Auto go together. Like you & a good neighbor. 2 x 2” ad Alliance Self Storage 2105 E L Ave., La Grande • allianceselfstorage123@gmail.com Some things in life just go together. Like home and auto insurance from State Farm ® . And you with a good neighbor to help life go right. Save time and money. CALL ME TODAY. 3 x 2” ad Gregg Hinrichsen Ins Agcy Inc Gregg Hinrichsen, Agent 1722 Campbell Street Baker City, OR 97814 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1601976 541-523-7778 Everyone deserves a life free from abuse. Domestic Violence Sexual Assault • Stalking EOU Campus Advocate SART - Sexual Assault Response Team FREE eBooks and audiobooks Thousands of titles AVAILABLE DAILY Noon to midnight WHERE TO GO FOR HELP >> Unlimited # of sessions at NO CHARGE! It’s PRE-PAID with your taxes. Access with your Baker County Library Card from www.bakerlib.org/kids-teens 2.5 x 3” ad Explore the ONLINE LIBRARY at www.bakerlib.org 541.523.6419 info@bakerlib.org 10901 Island Avenue Island City 541-963-7226 Back Row: (L to R) Roszanne, Krista, 2.5 Mara x Front Row: (L to R) Tyana, Stephanie, Ilea, 3” ad
