Rodney Atkins Steers Macy’s Parade Down a ‘Back Road’

Rodney Atkins was surrounded by animals while riding on the Ocean Spray Woodland Family Gathering float in Macy's 85th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Rodney says his family, like many others, upholds the tradition of watching the Macy's parade every year. "You get up Thanksgiving morning and turn the parade on and watch it while the good smell of dinner's being cooked in the kitchen," Rodney tells The Boot.

"Being in New York City for the Macy's parade was a blast. Having 'Take a Back Road' out this year has created a lot of opportunities for us. We've spent a lot of time in the Big Apple lately."

Rodney sang a chorus of his No.1 hit while riding the Ocean Spray float, which was filled with various creatures one might expect to see when cruising a back road. While autumn leaves danced around the float, creatures including a mouse, a squirrel, a goose, a beaver and the proverbial Thanksgiving turkey rode in style as Rodney sang.

Immediately after the parade, Rodney flew back home and went to his parents house to have dinner with his family.

Rodney is now headed to Washington, D.C. On Dec. 1, he'll perform at the 89th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Using the White House as the backdrop, the national Christmas tree and 56 smaller trees representing each state, five territories and the District of Columbia, will form the Christmas Pathway of Peace, which is the focal point of the event.

The ceremony will stream live here at 4:30 PM ET. Beginning Dec. 2, the event can be seen on PBS (check local listings for air times).

Rodney has only four dates left this year before he takes time off to be with his family for the holidays. He'll be in Fairfax, Va. on Dec. 10; Lowell, Mass. Dec. 15; Buffalo, N.Y. Dec. 16; and Lewiston, Maine on Dec. 17.