This morning, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made its annual route through New York City. The parade first started in 1924 and is the second oldest Thanksgiving Parade in United States history.

The 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took a different route, traveling from 77th Street and central Park West to Central Park, then through Times Square. The parade then culminates at 7th Avenue, where the floats are disassembled. The new Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route bypasses Broadway and allows more room for those participating in the parade, as well as those viewing it.

For many, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an important aspect of the Thanksgiving holiday. Today’s parade featured some exciting giant balloons and floats. Some of the balloons featured include Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street, Buzz Lightyear, Dora the Explorer, the Energizer Bunny, Horton the Elephant, Kermit the Frog, Pikachu, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Ronald McDonald, Sailor Mickey from the Disney Cruise line, Shrek, Smurf, Snoopy and Woodstock, and Spider Man.

Featured floats included 123 Sesame Street, A World where Kids Rule, Big Apple, Bountiful Harvest Cornucopia, Bridge to the Future, Care Bears, Castle of Dreams, Dickens Christmas, Doodlebug, Local Heroes Helping Every day, International Celebration Clock Tower, Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, and M&M’s on Broadway.

Guest performers included Alan Cumming, Andrea Bocelli, Boys like Girls, Billy Currington, Carly Simon, the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba, Charlie Brown and characters, DJ Lance Rock, Gloria Gaynor, Grandma, Bello and the Big Apple Circus, Jane Krakowski, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Kermit the Frog and Tiffany Thonoton, Miss America Katie Stam, Mithcel Musso, Ronald McDonald and the McKids, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, Seneca Dance Group, Sesame Street cast and the Muppets, Smurfette and Papa Smurf, the Pizzarelli Quartet, and Ziggy Marley with Judah Marley.