The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Gears Up For Turkey Day

It's Thanksgiving. What better way to kick-off turkey day than catch a glimpse of New York's favorite holiday tradition, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year it returns to dazzle and enchant millions nationwide on Thursday, November 24, 2011 beginning at 9 a.m. on NBC in all time zones. The 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take to the streets of New York City with a cornucopia of whimsical treats for the whole family, adds NBC.

 

New giant character helium balloons, including Paul Frank's iconic monkey "Julius" and "Sonic the Hedgehog" will be standouts this year.

"The 85th Anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," to air later in the evening on Thursday, November 24, 10-11 p.m. ET, is a look back at 85 years of one of America's greatest holiday traditions. Hosted by Matt Lauer, the special will feature the floats, balloons and performances that make the show one of the most watched spectacles every year. So after you've had your fill of turkey and football, learn more about the American tradition right in your living room.

The first national broadcast was in 1948 and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been at the forefront of Thanksgiving festivities in new York City. This year, the "Today Show's" Matt Lauer, Ann Curry and Al Roker will treat viewers to Thanksgiving's best entertainment special. Stars joining the festivities this year include Rodney Atkins, the Big Apple Circus, Mary J. Blige, Cobra Starship, Neil Diamond, Michael Feinstein, The Fresh Beat Band, Cee Lo Green, Avril Lavigne, Shelby Lynne, Mannheim Steamroller, China Anne McClain, Scotty McCreery, Ingrid Michaelson, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Savannah Outen, Power Rangers Samurai, cast of Broadway's Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Willard Scott, cast of Broadway's Sister Act, cast of Broadway's Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Straight No Chaser, US Naval Academy Glee Club, Johnny Weir, and Zendaya. In addition, the telecast will feature a special performance from the world-famous "Radio City Rockettes." 

"Since the first storied march in 1924, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a call to celebration, adds NBC. Over the years, gathering to watch the Parade, whether in person or on television has become a tradition for families across the nation and synonymous with the start of the holiday season," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to NBC. "This year as we celebrate 85 years of magical moments, we are truly humbled by the unique role the Macy's Parade now fills in the lives of Americans, and we are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone with an unparalleled line-up of new balloons, floats and the nation's best performers - all here to kick-off the spectacular holiday season." 

Ready for it 85th Anniversary edition, the parade will feature 15 giant character balloons; 44 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles and balloonheads; 27 floats; 1,600 cheerleaders, dancers and performance group members; 800 clowns; 11 marching bands; a host of celebrity performers, and the one-and-only Santa Claus. 

 

Since 1927, the Parade's signature balloons have captured the imagination of kids and kids at heart. First conceived by famed Macy's window designer and puppeteer Tony Sarg as upside-down marionettes, the balloons have grown to be one of the Parade's signature elements. This year, taking flight in the 85th edition will be a jetpack sporting awesome monkey, "Paul Frank's Julius," and Sega's "Sonic the Hedgehog," which returns to the big show after its pioneering debut in 1993 as the procession's first-ever video game character. 

 

If you really do not have the patience to travel to Manhattan from your comfortable home on Staten Island to attend the parade in person, catch a peek on television this morning or on the NBC special later this evening. This is one Thanksgiving tradition you won't want to miss.