Parade

The Parade pinball machine, designed by Don Hooker and manufactured by Bally, is an intriguing piece of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball history from the mid-1950s. The machine's theme, "Pageantry - Women," showcases a distinct art style and attention to detail that was characteristic of Bally's designs of the era.

One of the Parade's most notable features is its extensive use of trap holes, with 25 scattered throughout the playfield. Additionally, the machine boasts Magic Squares, a Bally Hole, and Double/Triple/Quad scoring options, which would have been considered advanced features for their time. The ability to press buttons to rearrange numbers on a card in the backglass before shooting the fourth and fifth balls (if those features were purchased) adds an extra layer of strategy and interactivity to gameplay.

The Parade's design and theme are also worth noting, with its vibrant artwork and attention to detail showcasing Bally's dedication to creating visually striking machines. Detailed production and release information is not well documented, leaving some questions unanswered. Nonetheless, this example of 1950s pinball craftsmanship is a fascinating piece for any serious collector.