Photography by M. Sharkey

As creative director for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Schermerhorn puts the "spectacle" in spectacular -- including the elaborate Broadway cast and other musical performances. Now Yes, Virginia the Musical, a new adaptation of the Macy's-sponsored animated TV special, with book and lyrics by Schermerhorn, is being targeted to elementary schools around the country. Expect to hear and see it at the next Christmas pageant you attend.

The most famous parade in America has a grand marshal whose responsibilities are far weightier than merely leading the way down Fifth Avenue. As executive producer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as of the company's Fourth of July celebrations, Kule taps more than 15 years of experience working her way through the ranks of Macy's marketing department. Now she is the ultimate authority on everything about the big day, including which cartoon balloons rise above the crowd. (She's also worked to incorporate the work of artists like Keith Haring and Tim Burton into the lineup.) After all the planning is done, all that's left is making that long walk.

Photographed at the Macy's Parade Studio in Moonachie, N.J., on October 1, 2012