New York, November 2 (BUS): Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to its pre-pandemic format this year, with its route restored through Manhattan, high-flying helium balloons pulled back by handlers and crowds welcoming back to cheer them on. employment.
This year’s parade – the 95th annual – will be back in shape after bowing to pandemic restrictions last year. It will feature 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 36 modernist and heritage inflatables, more than 800 clowns, 10 bands, nine performance groups, and of course Santa Claus, the Associated Press reports.
New balloon giants joining the lineup on November 25 include Ada Twist, a Scientist, and Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee. The Broadway cast will star in “Six,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” and “Punk.” The Rockettes will be present, as will the cast in the upcoming live production of “Annie” on NBC.
“For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created an unforgettable spectacle featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats, and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick off the holiday season as this returns Dear Tradition.
There will be new floats led by the “Girls5eva” staff – Sarah Barelli, Renee Elise Goldsbury, Paula Bell and Pussy Phillips – Nelly and Jordan Fisher, while Jon Baptiste will be on a crocodile-inspired float to celebrate Louisiana’s music, food and culture.
Other celebrities include Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Allen, Kelly Rowland, Rob Thomas, Kristen Chenoweth, Darren Criss, Alien, Andy Grammer, Mickey Gayton, Chris Lynn, Miss America Camille Shearer, and the dolls from “Sesame Street” and the three past and current hosts. For “Blue’s Clues” – Steve Burns, Donovan Patton and Josh Dela Cruz.
Some of the returning balloons will be Astronaut Snoopy, “The Boss Baby”, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, Chase from “Paw Patrol”, The Pillsbury Dogboy, Red Titan from “Ryan World”, Papa Smurf from “The Smurfs”, Sonic the Hedgehog and SpongeBob SquarePants .
The Macy’s Parade has been a traditional kick-off for the holiday season and spectators often line a half-dozen deep along the route to cheer on about 8,000 protesters, dozens of floats, artists, and bands.
Last year, the usual 2 1/2-mile route through congested Manhattan was scrapped in favor of a focus of events on the stretch of 34th Street in front of Manhattan’s flagship retailer. Many shows were pre-recorded and most of the show’s artists were local to reduce travel. The balloons are attached to specialized vehicles rather than being controlled by operators.
This year visitors will again be allowed to see balloons inflated the day before the show as long as they show proof of vaccination. Children under the age of 12 can be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.