Let The Parade Begin
Written by: Albert Terc
Photos by: Albert Terc and Aluche_Events
Anxious faces could be seen on the millions of faces along the parade route eager to see if the big balloons would fly this year. Wind gusts over 35 mph would ground the giant balloons from flying for safety reasons. The NYPD gave the green light one hour before the grand event kicked off although the balloons would have to fly low. The 93rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade took off from the West Side of Central Park where the huge balloons were inflated the night before. Right on time, the first group of clowns came running out to greet the crowd and announce the start of the parade. The crowd cheered in unison as the fun was about to get started. A rhythmic drum beat could be heard approaching as the honorary lead marching band made their way up the parade route. The energetic Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine showed why they deserve top billing. They were top notch.
Astronauts Kay Hire and Janet Kavandi Introduce Astronaut Snoopy
Lead Band Morgan State Gets the Crowd Worked Up
R&B Superstar Kelly Rowland
The Mighty Power Ranger
Kicking off the first of many of the famous giant balloons in the parade was a new entry. Astronauts Kay Hire and Janet Kavandi were on the Peanuts float helping introduce Astronaut Snoopy. He was a big hit and the kids just loved it. Right behind was another balloon of flight, Jett by Super Wings led the way for the Ronald Reagan HS Marching Band from Texas to show off their moves. Singer Kelly Rowland was one of the many celebrities that greeted the crowd. She helped usher in one of the largest balloons of the parade, the Mighty Power Ranger. With his fist pointing towards the ground, I thought for sure he was going to take out a few balloon handlers.
Chase on Duty
Black Eyed Peas
Lady Liberty Smiling At All Of Us
Goku at the Ready
Bank robber clowns were scattering when the Chase from Paw Patrol giant balloon came after them. Paying tribute to Duke Ellington’s music was the elegant Franklin Regional HS Panther Band from Pennsylvania. They did a great job even though I though the rolling piano was going to wipe out a policeman. Celebrities Ozuna, Billy Porter and Miss America Nia Franklin got the crowd really excited. Giant balloons Picachu and Diary of a Wimpy Kid were huge hits for the kids. The jungle themed Madison Central HS Marching Band from Kentucky kept the high energy going for the crowd. They helped introduce another new giant balloon entry, Green Eggs and Ham. It didn’t take much convincing that I do I do like green eggs and ham. Right behind them was another new giant balloon entry, Spongebob Squarepants and his buddy Gary. Al the kids started chanting his name. That was fun.
Pikachu Having Some Fun
That Wimpy Kid Causing Trouble
I do like Green Eggs and Ham
Everyone’s Favorite Spongebob Squarepants and Gary
The tribute to America section is always one of my favorites with cowboys and the Mt. Rushmore float. This year Chris Young was the honored celebrity. Starting off that section was the Martin Luther King Jr. HS Marching Band from Georgia with their high stepping and followed by the Blue Springs HS Marching Band from Missouri. They were amazing. Celebrities Ciara and Jimmy Fallon really got the crowd worked up. Another new float helped remind people to be careful when out in the woods. Smokey Bear was a hit with kids but an even bigger hit was the Trolls balloon with four characters clinging to each other.
Chris Young and the Mt. Rushmore Float
Ashanti Waving to Her Fans
The Trolls Up to No Good
Jimmy Fallon Rocks the Parade
The grand finale is reserved for the Christmas section with the giant Elf on the Shelf balloon letting everyone know there’s a visitor from up North coming down soon. Celebrity Lea Michele led the way on a float with a Central Park theme. Christmas music was played by the Western Carolina University Marching Band from North Carolina and the Catalina Foothills HS Marching Band from Arizona. The Grinch That Stole Christmas giant balloon is always a big hit. Giant Olaf from the hit movie Frozen made his appearance. But everyone was still waiting for you know who… Meanwhile more Christmas themed floats and clowns got the crowd worked up. Toy soldiers on stilts, singing Christmas trees, and floating nutcracker balloons all set the stage for the big man…Santa Claus and his helpers. Big kids, little kids, all kinds of kids yelled hello to Santa. The big guy got up and waved to the crowd and opened his arms to give everyone an imaginary hug. Everyone was smiling and began to believe in the magic of Christmas.
Elf On the Shelf
The Grinch Looking For an Easy Target
Olaf Greets the Crowd
Santa Giving Out Free Hugs
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is always the best parade of the City. It shows just how magnificent a parade can be. Kids from 2 to 92 come out to enjoy the spectacular event that Macy’s displays. It truly is one of NYC’s best traditions. This was an amazing year of parades in NYC. Well over 10 million people attended some of the best parades of New York City. Thank you parade organizers for producing some of the best New York has to offer. Thank you marchers for coming out and bringing to life our values and traditions that go back thousands of years. Thank you NYPD and FDNY for keeping us safe so we can enjoy these amazing events. Thank you reader and viewer for helping keep this blog going.
Happy Thanksgiving and see you in 2020!!!!!
Above Photos: Aluche_Events
NYC Parade Life 