The Tradition of Pink Pig Continues To Thrive

The Tradition of Pink Pig Continues To Thrive

Since the 1950s, Atlantans have kicked off their holidays with Macy's Pink Pig ride. The Pink Pig has been a family tradition for nearly five generations. 

Children of all ages are now allowed to ride Priscilla, the Pink Pig on Oct.31; the grand opening at the Macy's Lenox Square Mall. Priscilla will drive around train tracks above the mall in a life-size storybook which features Priscilla and her friends.

Tickets are available at the Pink Pig kiosk in Lenox Square Mall starting Oct.31 and runs till Jan. 3. 

By Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA, Local family and friends flocked atop the Lenox Square Mall this Saturday afternoon to attend Macy's annual Pink Pig holiday ride benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Pink Pig is not just for young children, but for the young at heart. Grandparents and parents who have been attending this event generation after generation said they cannot wait to show their children and grandchildren Priscilla, the Pink Pig. This is a big family event that brings more than 20 family members. People attend because their great-grandmother rode, and then their grandmother, and then their child.

Priscilla, the Pink Pig is not just a train ride around the top of Lenox Mall; it's also a personal journey about Priscilla and her friends through a book. Children and their parents said they enjoyed riding around and taking in all the fun.

Macy's Pink Pig has donated $670,000 to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta here today. "We benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta because it's so important to the community and to the city," said Macy's manager, Julia Weaver.
  

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta 

 

Patients from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have the opportunity to attend the event. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 11-1 p.m. Macy's held a Very Important Party also known as VIP for 150 to 200 patients of CHOA and their families. The VIP party had face painting, a DJ, reporters from channel 2, channel 5, channel 11, and channel 6 attended. Everybody came out for the event. Macy's manager, Julia Weaver, said what she enjoyed most about the event was seeing smiles on the faces of children.

On that Wednesday, Oct. 28, Macy's chose one patient who was considered a VIP patient. They get to have the first ride on Priscilla, the Pink Pig. This year, her name is Chloe. She is a patient at Children's, and was adopted from China. Workers of the event said what a wonderful little girl she is.

Not only did Chloe get to enjoy all that the ride had to offer, even children who were not able to walk from last year's event were able to attend this year and walk and ride Priscilla at this year's event. Volunteer Deirdre Haynes said she wanted to be involved today, because she likes to give back during the holidays. She said not only do you get to see the kids that you're helping, but you know that a portion of money goes towards them. "And I love volunteering; so that's like a twofer basically," Haynes said. She not only gives back during the holiday season, she said she also feeds the homeless at her church on Saturday mornings as well.

 

Pink Pig Tradition

 

This event is so important because it is an Atlanta tradition for 50 years; Weaver said. She said it's very much a tradition because it's what Atlanta is all about. The holiday ride made its debut in 1953 at the Rich's downtown store. Children's parents and grandparents rode Priscilla the Pink Pig when they were younger and families continue to take their children year after year. 

The Pink Pig was not only a fun ride for children and their families in the 1950s; it was also a part of history. According to aboutnorthgeorgia.com, after World War II, Macy's, formerly known as Rich's decided to attract more customers in 1953 by adding Priscilla, the Pink Pig monorail train. During this time, the train was segregated, which the Civil Rights Movement fought against.

Rich's was boycotted because of the segregated train and how African-Americans were not allowed to attend a popular restaurant called Magnolia Room. By 1961, Rich's desegregated the store and the Pink Pig ride also. According to aboutnorthgeorgia.com, Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King saw this as a huge stepping stone toward the success of the Civil Rights Movement.

Macy's employee, Pamela Sturdevant was impressed by how the Pink Pig held a huge impact on the Civil Rights Movement as well. "I thought it was cool that it was a part of the Civil Rights Movement," she said. "I thought that was really cool; and that's what made me want to be a part of it." 

Priscilla, the Pink Pig Ride

 

Patrons wanting to ride Priscilla, the Pink Pig have three different fares they can choose from. The more you ride, the more you will save.

Prices range from $3 for one ride, $5.50 for two rides, and $7.50 for three rides. A portion of each one of the rides goes toward CHOA. 

The proceeds going to CHOA help enhance the lives of the children through excellent patient care, research, and education.



 

"Just see what happens"

Carrie always says it best. I need to stop analyzing my past, planning my future, stop figuring out precisely how I feel, stop deciding exactly what I want, and just see what happens.

I'm always analyzing what could have happened in situations whether it is school related, friendships, relationships, etc. The past is in the past and I need to keep it that way. 

Not only am I always analyzing my past, I'm big on planning my future and seeing where it'll take me. I have these perfect scenarios in my head about having a successful career and living this lavish lifestyle. I mean who doesn't think of their future and have this picture in their head? I have to stop planning my future, because life is a journey. Maybe the picture in your head of your future is not how it's supposed to be.   

I also need to stop figuring out precisely how I feel when it comes to life decisions. As humans we are filled with all types of feelings. There are times when you just have to not let your feelings get in the way and just take one day at a time.

 Moreover, I need to stop deciding what I want. Of course we all want certain things out of life. I know I want certain things, but I can't keep wanting this and that. That's not how life is supposed to be. If we just constantly get whatever we want, than we get no satisfaction from the little things in life.

We just need to see what happens. We're always analyzing, planning, figuring out, and deciding how and what we want out of life. I know I'm always analyzing and planning out this and that of my daily routine. Sometimes it just takes the courage to just wait and see what life has in store for you. So for now, I'm going to stop analyzing, planning, figuring out, and deciding precisely how I feel and just go with the flow.  

"I can & I will"

"I can & I will" has been my go to motto. A lot of you may not know that as a young girl I struggled with my academics. I attended countless numbers of schools and just couldn't get the hang of my academics. Once I hit elementary and middle school age, I struggled so much that I could barely form a sentence let alone comprehend what I was reading. It was then that my parents chose to get me tested for a learning disability. I was later diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. Though I didn't exhibit most of the characteristics of ADD, I struggled to focus on my schoolwork, had difficulty sounding out words and comprehending basic reading comprehension as well as mathematical word problems. I was prescribed Adderall and other common ADD/ADHD pills but nothing seemed to help with the issues I was having. I continued back and forth with trying different medications and started attending a special education school for children with learning difficulties. It wasn't until I was situated into my new school program that I felt more at ease with my learning struggles. Everyone around me had a learning issue and we all learned at different paces. Before I had attended Chatham, I felt stupid and ashamed for not knowing what I was comprehending. I was tested again after being at Chatham for four years and later discovered I actually had Auditory Processing Disorder. Individuals with auditory processing cannot process the information they hear in the same way as others do, which leads to difficulties in recognizing and interpreting sounds, especially the sounds composing speech. If it were not for the staff and Principal Carolyn Hannaford at Chatham Academy I wouldn't be where I am today. While at Chatham Academy, I learned that everyone learns in a unique and different way. It is truly amazing how far I have come. I remember my family and teachers thinking I may not even be able to fully learn in what they called a "normal" teaching environment. I always pushed myself to do well and persevere throughout my schooling. I feel so proud that I could transition into a normal middle and high school and achieve great success. It's even more rewarding to say that I made it to college and am halfway done with my career in pursuing journalism. Who knew that that little girl who struggled throughout her schooling career could make it to this point? I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me through my learning difficulties. Especially my family, friends, and teachers at Chatham Academy. 

7 Cardinal Rules For Life

As I came across this rule list for life, I thought it was perfect to share with everyone. I believe these 7 Cardinal Rules For Life are exactly what each and everyone of us should live by. 

1. Make Peace with your past so it won't disturb your present.

• Everyone battles with their past and how to move forward from it. But if you keep muddling with your past issues, you'll just be stuck there and not be able to live a fulfilling life.   

2. What other people think of you is none of your business.   

• I have this issue of always being worried with what everyone else thinks about me and whether they're judging me or not. I think everyone is a little insecure about how they portray themselves to the world. We think we have to please everyone, but honestly who cares what anyone else thinks of you? You do you!   

 3. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.

• Everyone gets hurt in life. It doesn't matter what kind of hurt you've gone through. It could be the loss of a family member or friend, a bad breakup, or even something that is minute. Time is a great way to heal and recover from hardships that come your way. Everyone needs those times to collect themselves and think about what direction they want to go. 

 4.No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

• There are no truer words than this. Happiness begins with you. If you are not happy with your life and the direction it is going, do something about it. There is no point in sitting around at a job you're not happy in, a major that is not fulfilling, or even a relationship that you're not benefiting from whether it's a relationship with a friend or significant other.To be truly happy, you have to understand what you want in life. Go out and do something new everyday. Experience life to the fullest and I guarantee you a happier you will appear.

 5. Don't compare your life to others. And don't judge them, you have no idea what their journey is all about. 

• I couldn't agree more about this phrase. Many people jump to conclusions about one another and don't fully understand what someone is going through. Everyone is facing something daily. Whether it is in regards to family, money, school, relationships, etc. We as individuals have no right to judge someone. Of course everyone is a little guilty of comparing their lives to individuals they see on social media or television. I know I'm guilty of it. I'm also guilty of judging individuals when I know I shouldn't. I have no right to judge an individual on how they live their life. And you shouldn't either. Life is a journey and we should respect ourselves and our peers.  

 6. Stop thinking too much. It's alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it. 

• I am very guilty of over-thinking and having to know the answer to my problems. I stay up nights thinking of my future and what I have to accomplish the next day. It's exhausting and I know I shouldn't worry, but who doesn't worry about their future? I need to learn to be patient and not over analyze every little detail of my life and where I'm going in life. All of us think too much. We are human. Who doesn't think too much about their job, family, friends, etc.? We should all learn to be a little more patient and just be content that everything will work out for the best. 

 7. Smile. You don't own all the problems in the world. 

• I know there are a lot of negative Nancy's out there, me included every once in a while. I have those days where I think I'm having the worst day imaginable and can't accomplish one single activity. But then I think, I should smile and be happy with my life. I have a loving family, I have a roof over my head, I'm attending college, and was just offered a job! I don't say how thankful I am for the things I do have in life. There are individuals all over the United States and across the seas that are not as privileged as I am. And I should not be so selfish about the things I do have. It is not just me who has problems, but everyone has problems they're facing every day. Mine are so trivial compared to others. So smile a little more and be thankful for what you do have!  

"The Future Belongs To The Curious."

I've often thought about what the future holds for me. The future is unknown, but if you take one day at a time and not rush it, something truly amazing will happen. I think the future is always a little scary to think about, but everyone wonders what will be. It's also exciting to think where the future will take us all. Everyone has this picture in their head of what their future will be like no matter what age you're at. Whether you're seven or seventy years of age, everyone thinks of what their future holds for them. Everyone questions the future: "Where will they be in five years? Where will they be a month from now? or Where will they be tomorrow?" I believe the New Year is a great way to look toward a bright and rewarding year that lies ahead for each and everyone of us. This year, I plan do exactly as this quote states. I want to Try it, Explore, Poke, and Question where my future will take me. I plan on trying new things I haven't done before to experience life to the fullest. That's what New Years is all about. Trying, exploring, and questioning what life has to offer you.