People lined the streets of New York City three rows deep to see the 80 Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Though it was 44 degrees and raining, people still flocked to the city to see their favorite giant balloons and floats.
Hundreds of colorful balloons hung in the air, while people waited, smaller balloons were passed out for free, and the crowd released them, creating a reverse confetti effect. Amongst the chatter someone in the crowd yelled, “I can see a star!” The two Macy’s star balloons that mark the beginning of the parade headed down the street.
The Rockettes started out the festivities with their traditional performance in front of Macy’s. The parade began with Macy’s Great American Marching Bands leading the way. Some of the other balloons included Snoopy, Garfield, Pikachu, Scooby Doo, Mr. Potato Head and Sesame Street’s Super Grover. The balloons were held at about 17 feet due to fear of wind gusts. There were 13 balloons in all and though they were flying lower, spectators still got a great view.
The floats consisted of many different themes all pulled by GMC vehicles. There was the traditional Turkey Float, whose wings were continually flapping. There were floats of Polar Express, Charlotte’s Web, and Hess. Several floats were New York-themed, including a statue of Liberty float that shot fireworks from its torch and a Big Apple.
The football mascot float cruised along until the driver turned a corner a little too late. The wide float crunched the tail light of the GMC and the light fell to the street.
One person shouted, “Keep going, it’s just a tail light!” The driver seemed to take the advice, running over the crumpled tail light with the float as the football players shrugged it off and continued waving to the fans.
As tradition, Santa’s float appeared last. For many of the people shivering on the streets, he could not come soon enough. Some viewers left early, making more room for those hardier folks who decided to stick out the rest of the parade.
The parade, though wet and chilly, still held the attention of thousands on Thanksgiving Day. Floats, balloons and performances put smiles on the faces of children and adults as they passed.