30 | November | 2024 | NYC Parade Life

Archive | 6:31 pm

Plenty of Happiness Around the Rainy Clouds at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

**All Smiles For the Big Thanksgiving Day Parade**

Written by: Albert Terc

Photos by: Albert Terc

Photo Credit: Juliana E. Muchinyi

The steady morning rain was no match for the biggest and most celebrated parade of the year. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade brought out well over 1 million people ready to see some new huge balloons, some fan favorite celebrities, some of the best marching bands in the country and the largest collection of clowns for any event in the world. There was much anticipation for the new floats making their grand entrance at the parade. Minnie Mouse has always been beloved by many children across the world, yet this was her first parade and she made a huge impression. The new and improved Spiderman was also a big hit with the kids.

**A Graceful Minnie Mouse Takes the Stage**

**Spiderman Spinning a Strand to the Next Building**

**Cherry Pie Clowns Trying to Keep It Together**

The Thanksgiving Day Parade always displays some of the best marching bands of the country. This year, the million plus fans that endured the soggy weather were treated to an elite ensemble of large bands. Right off the bat, the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers set the tone for what would be an amazing day of celebration. They were just one of a dozen marching bands that played brilliantly for the rain drenched crowd. One of he big draws for this parade are the number of celebrities that come out to take in the event. Some of the headliners included Bishop Briggs in a Wednesday float with matching dancers, living legends The Temptations, Natti Natasha, Coco Jones, Dan + Shay and many more were on different floats waving to the crowd.

**Late Night Host Jimmy Fallon Works the Crowd**

**Animal Clowns Escaped From the Bronx Zoo**

About two thirds way through the parade, the lineup changes from one of Thanksgiving theme to Christmas floats and the long awaited return of Santa Claus himself spreading greetings and good cheer for kids from 2 to 92. It really is a spectacle to behold. Kids eyes brighten wide just for a glimpse of the beloved icon. Watching Santa wave to the kids and get them all worked up with happy cheer is a fitting way to end the parade year….. and what a parade year it was. Tens of millions of people came from near and far to witness and be part of the parades that make NYC the best city in the world. Old World culture and tradition meet New World expression right here in the streets of New York. This year I had plenty to be thankful for in documenting these parades. I’m thankful for the many parade organizers and volunteers that work tirelessly to put on these events together. I’m thankful for the marchers/dancers and musicians that rehearse for months just for a few minutes of performance. I’m thankful for the people that come out and be part of this living symbol of love and hope in the City. I’m thankful for the NYPD for keeping everyone safe and putting to rest quickly any disturbances that might have occurred. I’m thankful for the FDNY for responding to any emergencies. I’m most thankful for you the reader that keeps this blog going. Thank you. Have a great 2025!!!!