NEW YORK (AP) — The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off Thursday in New York City, with new balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man set to take to the skies and floats featuring Labubu and Lego gracing the streets.
The parade is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. EST, rain or shine, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.
It’s expected to be a chilly day in the city, with temperatures in the 40s, but wind gusts between 25 mph (40 kph) and 30 mph (48 kph) will make it feel colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.
Officials are watching the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or wind gusts are over 35 mph (56 kph). Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.
Authorities will decide Thursday morning whether any balloon adjustments are needed, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
She stated at a news conference Wednesday that there were no known, specific, credible threats to the event; however, thousands of police officers will be stationed along the route.
The parade has captured attention in recent years for becoming a platform for protests, with demonstrators gaining entry to the route. Police “are prepared to address that and any other situations that arise,” Tisch assured.
A roster of star-studded performances will be throughout the show, featuring marches, dancers, and cheerleaders. Performing acts include “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, and Lainey Wilson, along with appearances by the Radio City Rockettes.
Altogether, the festive procession will present a remarkable display with dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups, and marching bands, culminating with the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade is set to be broadcasted live on NBC.
