Behind the Scenes of the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

A Beloved American Tradition

• 🦃 The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished tradition for many Americans, marking the start of the holiday season.
• 💡 This year marks the 99th running of the parade, a significant milestone for this long-standing event.

Parade Highlights and New Additions

• 🎈 Fans can expect a spectacular display featuring new giant character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario, and Shrek's Onion Carriage.
• 🎭 Several new floats will also debut, such as Holland America's Land of the Glaciers, Netflix's Upside Down from Stranger Things, and Lego's Bricktastic.
• 🎤 Musical performances will include artists like Jewel, Shaggy, Little John, Foreigner, and Cynthia Erivo, the star of "Wicked."

Behind the Scenes: Creation and Operations

• 🛠️ The parade's floats are meticulously made by hand, incorporating both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
• 🌟 The massive operation involves 5,000 volunteers, over 30 balloons, 28 floats, and 11 marching bands.
• 🌬️ Balloon handlers describe the experience as an adrenaline rush, interacting with millions of cheering spectators along the parade route.

Spectator Experience and Logistics

• 👥 An estimated 3.5 million people are expected to attend the parade in person.
• 📺 The event will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming, making it accessible to viewers nationwide.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The parade often evokes nostalgic memories and is a central part of family holiday preparations for many.