New York City – The temperature was colder at the start of the parade but that did not keep spectators away from enjoying the largest Thanksgiving Parade in the country. The winds were low so that the balloons could be flown at normal expected height for all to be amazed of the size as they came down the parade route. Estimation of over 3.5 million people lined the parade route. This year featured new balloons such as Olaf from the movie “Frozen” and from “Paw Patrol” Chase, a new version of the Grinch of Dr. Seuss stories.
The floats had celebrities as Jimmy Fallon, Smokey Robinson, The Roots, Wyclef Jean, Flo Rida. Marching bands from different parts of the country and the long awaited Santa Claus closed the successful parade event. The route is 2 ½ miles long and traveled down Central Park West from 77 street to Columbus Circle, along Central Park South to 6thAvenue to 34 Street and ending at Macy’s Herald Square on 34thStreet. Security was extra tight to keep everyone safe to enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Hunter Wells/Nancy Ann Peterson, photographer – 2017