NEW YORK (AP) — Crowds of onlookers lined the streets of New York City Thursday as colorful, high-flying balloons help usher in the holiday season at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mostly sunny skies and a light breeze are forecast for the annual tradition, which dates back nearly a century.
International cartoon sensation Bluey, the Australian cattle pup, will make his parade debut, with a balloon in his likeness as tall as a four-storey building and spanning as wide as seven taxis. Stuart, the one-eyed Minion, will also be there.
Snoopy, dressed as an astronaut, will make an appearance again, parade officials announced, as will Papa Smurf, Ronald McDonald and SpongeBob SquarePants.
This year’s parade, in numbers: 16 giant balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 10 performance groups, 700 clowns and a Santa Claus.
The procession of characters will be joined by singer Paula Abdul, in her first parade appearance; indie pop group Fitz and the Tantrums; boy band Big Time Rush; “Blue’s clues and you!” » host Josh Dela Cruz; singer Gloria Estefan; gospel singer Kirk Franklin; actor Mario Lopez; reggae star Ziggy Marley; and Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles.
Singers Joss Stone, Jordin Sparks and Betty Who will also be part of the festivities, as will the stars of Peacock’s “Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin” — Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg. Jimmy Fallon & The Roots will be on a float celebrating Central Park.
Viewers nationwide can watch the parade live on NBC and stream on Peacock.
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