As the much-anticipated Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches, preparations are well underway in New York City. On Wednesday, teams worked diligently to inflate iconic balloons that will be part of the festive celebrations.
Inflation Process for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, featuring a variety of giant balloons, floats, entertainers, and marching bands. Around 100 balloon technicians and volunteers dedicated their Wednesday to inflating numerous characters. Kathleen Wright, who manages production operations for Macy’s Studios, noted that the entire process takes approximately eight hours.
Amid the preparations, visitors expressed excitement. Ethan Otieno, a tourist from Texas, shared his enthusiasm while watching the inflation process with family. He highlighted Smokey Bear as his favorite balloon.
Weather Conditions and Safety Measures
The parade is slated to run from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. However, weather conditions pose a challenge. As of Wednesday evening, officials were monitoring forecasts predicting gusty winds. New York City regulations stipulate that balloons cannot be flown if sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or if gusts exceed 35 mph (56 kph). Authorities noted that balloons were last grounded due to weather in 1971, although they have occasionally flown at lower altitudes.
New Balloons and Floats in 2023
This year’s parade will unveil several new balloon designs. Among them are:
- Buzz Lightyear
- Pac-Man
- Mario from Super Mario Brothers
- A 32-foot-tall onion carriage featuring eight characters from “Shrek”
- New characters from the Netflix series “KPop Demon Hunters”
In addition to the balloons, several floats are making their debut, including:
- Pop Mart featuring Labubu
- Skullpanda
- Peach Riot
- Dimoo
- Molly
- Duckoo
- Mokoko
Star-Studded Performers
The parade will also showcase an impressive lineup of performers, including:
- Cynthia Erivo
- Conan Gray
- Lainey Wilson
- Audrey Nuna
- EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, a fictional girl group from “KPop Demon Hunters”
As is tradition, the Radio City Rockettes are expected to make an appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event. With a blend of beloved characters and notable performances, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to deliver a memorable experience.
