NEW YORK — Parkersburg resident Victoria West is by her own admission a “bucket list chaser” and she marked one thing off her list Thursday when she was a handler of one of the large balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
West was hanging onto Stuart the Minion during the 2.5 mile parade route.
She said she’s been chasing the opportunity to be in the parade for seven years. She said it wasn’t easy.
“It’s like running for office,” West said Friday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
West, who is a business owner and works as a balloon designer, made frequent trips to New York City and each time would go to Macy’s Department Store to offer her services as a balloon handler.
“I would go upstairs to the visitors center, talk to the people in the office, I was just persistent,” West said.
West had to get a sponsor that is associated. Once she did she was on her way.
West went to New York earlier this year to practice. She said the balloons are large and can throw you around.
Thursday’s experience did not disappoint, she said.
“It was everything and a pouring down rain too,” West said.
She indicated Friday that she’s not finished with that bucket list.
“I think my next thing I want to do is the Rose Bowl Parade. I’m a designer, I like to decorate and I would love to decorate a large float, so I’m going to set my hopes on that,” West said.