Macy's Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Brings Joy to All

On Thanksgiving Day, over 3.5 million people crowded around Manhattan to view the 82nd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, stated Baltimore Sun. The grand display wound its way for 2.5 miles from Central Park West and West 77th Street to Herald Square, in front of Macy's flagship store, reported AP.

The balloons consisted of 13 giant ones and 31 smaller ones, with each giant balloon using over 5,000 cubic feet of helium. The new balloons this year included Buzz Lightyear from Pixar's Toy Story, Horton the elephant from the Dr. Seuss books, and a five-story Smurf.

There were 28 floats featured, as well as 10 marching bands and performances by Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, James Taylor and the Radio City Rockettes, reported AP.

"It's just fabulous - I cried when I saw it," said Val Bonner, of Steilacoom, WA. "This is my gift to myself. I've been saving for years for it. It's a dream come true." Bonner had been planning for decades to attend the parade on her 50th birthday, and this year her wish came true.

The parade began in 1924 and has also provided opportunities for Broadway productions to showcase themselves. This year, cast members of The Little Mermaid, Hair, South Pacific, In the Heights, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas were present, reported AP.

"I'm so excited! The crowds, just seeing it in person!" said parade-goer Phyllis Grodnicki of Plainsboro, N.J.

Some 50 million viewers are estimated to be watching the parade on television this year. Meanwhile, in cold Detroit, thousands bundled up in mittens and hats to watch the city parade, which has been around for over 80 years.

And somewhere in the galaxy, the seven Endeavour astronauts and three space station crew members float, while enjoying their traditional Thanksgiving feast at the joined space shuttle-international space station complex, reported Baltimore Sun.