The 88th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Spongebob Squarepants by Nickelodeon

One of the greatest spectacles in American show business once again came to New York City on Thanksgiving Day.  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in its 88th year swept through the streets to a live audience of 3.5 million.  That is in addition to the 50 million watching at home on NBC.  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features massive helium balloons, floats, guest musical appearances, marching bands, celebrity appearances, and to top it off, Santa Clause.  This magical event has been going on since 1924 and used to feature lions, tigers, camels, bears, goats, and elephants.  Santa Claus himself has always ended the parade except for one year when he started it off.  In recent times, they have added “Falloons” (float and cold air balloon hybrid), Balloonicles (balloon and vehicle hybrid) and “Trycaloons” (part tricycle part balloon).  The parade strolls through Manhattan, the most densely populated borough of New York.  It starts on the west side of Central Park on 77^th St. and finishes at Macy’s on 34^th St.