Starting out on foot from my apartment, i realize that there were already streams of families making their way to finding their ideal spot. It took me a good 30-40 minutes before i found find a spot in the crowds and i was already an hour early.
Packed would be the word. Thankfully, i found myself next to an older gentleman who made the trip from Jersey & has been attending the parade on an annual basis. He pretty much protected me from the crowds that were pushing from behind us and explained to me what was going on. Thank God for small favors.
The parade started with the Macy's Band.
Sonic - making his first appearance after more than a decade
The pilgrims with their turkey and pumpkin.
The huge balloons just looming over us. They were attached to strings with people pulling them down the street. Due to the wind, the control over the balloons could be a little tough and there were some occasions where it looked like the balloons were going to be crashing into a building.
Marching bands from all over the country. Their outfits were amazing, coming in green and purple and all sorts of colors. I applaud them for their showmanship. Considering that I was already feeling cold in my 2 fleece jackets and scarf, some of the girls were really not wearing much but yet still braving a smile.
Poor Spongebob. On a closer look, you will see 'bandages' over some of the older balloons. For Spongebob, it was particularly bad with a leak in the balloon somewhere. He had a leg and hand that was all twisty with no gas. Apparently, it is quite normal for some of the balloons to run out of gas even before the end of the parade.
That's Neil Diamond for those that remember him on Mount Rushmore.
That's Mary J Blige at the front of the float in green waving.
The Duracell bunny was really adorable. Zigzagging all across the street.
When i saw these ladies, they reminded me of frosted cupcakes !
The latest addition to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Tim Burton's B. A design that he developed specially for this parade.
I call this ..the 'Hello Kitty with the Laugh Lines'
The traditional ending to the Macy's Parade. Santa Claus !
After the parade, it just made me want to go to Macy's for a magical time ~ Off to the shoppes .. :) Happy Thanksgiving !
